The UFC originally set Lauren Murphy to fight Cynthia Calvillo at UFC 254. Unfortunately, a positive COVID-19 test forced Calvillo out of the card. The matchmakers were able to find a replacement and Murphy had promised she would deliver on fight night. She lived up to her words in style. 

Lauren Murphy vs Liliya Shakirova was the second fight on the main card at UFC 254. It was an interesting matchup between two highly touted flyweight contenders. However, this was not the fairy tale debut that Liliya would’ve hoped for as she lost to a seasoned fighter. It perhaps showed why the UFC is the ultimate proving ground for mixed martial arts. 

Read: UFC 254 VIDEO: UFC fighters react to an epic fight between Casey Kenney and Nathaniel Wood 

Lauren Murphy demands to be considered the number one contender

In the fight, it was clear early on that Murphy had the advantage in the striking department as she landed some good shots. In response, Shakirova attempted to take her down. However, the 37-year-old fighter did a brilliant job of stuffing the takedowns and keeping the fight on the feet.

Eventually, Murphy decided to take the fight to the ground herself. She attempted one takedown and was successful in the same. Once on the ground ‘Lucky’ could work her way through the positions and eventually took the newcomer’s back. A rear-naked choke followed, and ‘Lucky’ sealed her fourth win on the trot. This, however, was her first career win via submission.

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After her win, Murphy jumped on the fence and yelled at the media. She said, “Hey stop overlooking me. I’m the true number one contender.” With a performance like that, it is hard to deny Murphy’s claims. In the post-fight interview, Lauren said, “I want a title shot next. I want a shot at the champion, whoever that may be.”

Valentina Shevchenko sits atop the women’s flyweight throne in the UFC. With four consecutive victories and the manner in which she secured all four wins, Lauren Murphy makes an excellent case for the next title shot against the seemingly unbeatable ‘Bullet’. Will the UFC grant Murphy the fight against the winner of the UFC 255 women’s flyweight title fight?