Preview: UFC 286 Prelims

Featherweights

Lerone Murphy (11-0-1, 3-0-1 UFC) vs. Gabriel Santos (10-0, 0-0 UFC)

ODDS: Murphy (-170), Santos (+145)

It is good to see Murphy back in the cage, since getting something on the books has seemingly been the toughest part of his career in recent years. Murphy was not particularly poised for success heading into his 2019 UFC debut. “The Miracle” looked physically talented but had mostly been crushing a poor level of competition before getting thrown into the deep end against Zubaira Tukhugov. It took all of one round for Murphy to adjust to the UFC level, after which he turned things around enough to earn a draw. He has maintained an undefeated record since. Wrestling and grappling can still be a path to some success against Murphy, but it has yet to actually lead to a loss for the Brit. Tukhugov, Ricardo Ramos and Makwan Amirkhani all went that route early and eventually tired, with Murphy finishing the latter two. At this point, Murphy seems set for a move up the ladder that has yet to come together, as every potential pairing since October 2021 has been scrapped; that includes his initial matchup against Wood here. Murphy will instead face a UFC newcomer in Santos. It is a tough switch for Murphy, if only because Santos looks like a prospect to watch sooner rather than later. The Brazilian combines power, aggression and a seemingly inhuman level of durability, at least if his 2022 comeback win over Marcio Barbosa is any indication. It would not be a shock if Santos simply puts on enough pace to keep Murphy off-guard and find some success with his wrestling. With that said, the UFC vet has earned the benefit of the doubt enough to bet he can maintain a range with his speed and pick Santos off from a distance for 15 tough minutes. The pick is Murphy via decision.

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Shore vs. Amirkhani
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Murphy vs. Santos
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