Victorious in four UFC matches and with one draw, Murphy has an impressive track record.
Lerone Murphy found himself lying on the asphalt, semi-conscious, blood streaming from a severe head injury while he waited for medical help. He believed he was on the brink of death.
During the tail end of a 30km bike ride, intended to boost his fitness after recovering from an injury, Murphy was involved in a collision. A car had turned right without checking, resulting in the accident.
At 31 years old, Murphy was thrown into the windshield and landed hard on the road on the opposite side of the car. Medical assistance took 40 minutes to reach him.
As he recounted his experience at his gym, Manchester Top Team located in Ashton-under-Lyne, Murphy struggled to articulate his feelings during those moments.
“It’s strange. I recall someone informing my mother, and I was sitting there with her, contemplating the reality that I might die right there and then,” Murphy shared with Sport News Center.
“I was losing a lot of blood. I felt a strange numbness. I’m still feeling that numbness. It’s a peculiar situation where you realize if it’s meant to happen, it will, but I can’t say I was fearful.”
Incredibly, this was not Murphy’s first brush with death.
In 2013, he was shot in the face while outside a barber’s shop in Fallowfield. Murphy chalked it up to “being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
It was only when he “felt heaviness” in his mouth, a mixture of “blood and bullets,” that Murphy realized what had occurred.
He spent nearly two weeks in hospital, being fed through a tube before undergoing a dental surgery. To this day, part of the bullet remains lodged in his tongue.
Murphy, set to compete against fellow lightweight Joshua Culibao at UFC London in the O2 Arena this Saturday, asserts that both incidents had differing impacts on him. However, the cycling mishap has been transformative for him.
“It has ignited a different spark in my life,” Murphy expressed.
“Although I was part of the UFC earlier, I was just rolling with the punches, navigating through life. But now, there’s a sudden focus. I realize the fragility of time and how unpredictable tomorrow is. It feels like I have a purpose now.
“Ever since the cycling accident, I feel I’ve made substantial strides, even mentally. I now spend my leisure time more constructively with my family and such. I’ve undergone significant change.”
‘I Can’t Squander This Chance’
Before the shooting incident, Murphy admits he was “living aimlessly, with no real purpose.”
He discovered MMA in 2014 and went professional two years later.
Murphy explains that the sport gave him a “purpose” and has motivated others who’ve lost their way to follow his lead.
“Particularly in neighborhoods like ours – Old Trafford, Levenshulme, it’s filled with kids just like me. Life is challenging,” Murphy noted.
“It’s not an excuse to resort to any means necessary, but many kids lack guidance. MMA offers an array of opportunities. Every day, you wake up with a goal to improve. It doesn’t matter where you start, you can achieve greatness. Unlike football, there are no politics involved. Your hard work is directly rewarded.”
Murphy boasts an undefeated streak in his 13-match career, having won four UFC fights since his signing in 2019.
Having earned his place in the sport against all odds – hence his moniker, ‘the Miracle’ – he’s committed to maximizing his UFC opportunity.
“The challenge is what motivates me to pursue this, to chip away at this objective every day,” says Murphy.
“Being a champion and supporting my family have always been my dreams. This is a golden opportunity, and not everyone gets such a chance. Coming from a humble background, I can’t afford to waste it.”
‘I Know Now I Can Bounce Back from Anything’
In addition to shaping his personality, Murphy’s close encounters with death have also honed his fighting spirit.
Murphy’s last fight was at UFC 286 in London in March, where he won a split decision against Gabriel Santos.
“Nothing that anyone does to me now can be worse than those two incidents,” asserted Murphy.
“Even a loss doesn’t intimidate me because I’ve seen the worst of times. I know I can bounce back from anything. Fear does have a place because it pushes fighters to perform, but I can confidently say I’m fearless now.”
Despite his victory over Santos, Murphy expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, citing a concussion from the cycling accident as a setback to his preparations.
“That was a long-term injury. I wasn’t able to train or spar for about six months,” Murphy added.
“Being a fighter, you only earn when you fight. So, if you’re not fighting, you’re not earning, and bills pile up. It was an immense stress.”
In contrast, Murphy describes the lead-up to the fight with Australia’s Culibao, a 29-year-old who has won 11 of his 13 matches, as a much more positive experience.
“I’m feeling fantastic. I feel like I’m hitting my peak now,” he declared.
“My mental and physical strengths are in sync now. I’m feeling good, optimistic about the match, and it’s time to put Manchester on the map.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lerone Murphy’s Transformation
Who is Lerone Murphy?
Lerone Murphy is a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter from Manchester who competes in the UFC’s lightweight division. He is known as ‘the Miracle’ due to his undefeated streak and his ability to overcome life-threatening experiences.
What near-death experiences has Lerone Murphy encountered?
Lerone Murphy has survived two near-death experiences. The first occurred in 2013 when he was shot in the face outside a barber’s shop in Fallowfield. The second incident took place when he was struck by a car during a 30km bike ride, resulting in a severe head injury.
What impact did the near-death experiences have on Lerone Murphy?
These traumatic experiences have not only shaped Murphy’s personality but also molded him as a fighter. They instilled in him a profound realization about the unpredictability of life and ignited a new focus and purpose in his life. In his own words, the incidents have enabled him to face any challenge and have inspired him to utilize his time constructively, particularly with his family.
How did Lerone Murphy get into MMA?
Before his near-death experiences, Murphy admits he was living aimlessly. After the shooting incident in 2013, he discovered MMA the following year and went professional two years later in 2016. The sport gave him a sense of purpose and direction.
What is Lerone Murphy’s record in UFC?
As of the time the article was written, Lerone Murphy has an impressive record in his UFC career. He is undefeated in his 13-match career, winning four UFC fights since his signing with the promotion in 2019.
More about Lerone Murphy’s Transformation
- Lerone Murphy’s UFC Profile
- UFC London Event Details
- Lerone Murphy’s MMA Statistics
- Interview with Lerone Murphy
5 comments
lerone murphy, what a journey!! and he’s still going strong in UFC. can’t wait to see his fight on saturday!! Go Murphy!
Muphy’s story just goes on to show, what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. he’s truly earned his nickname ‘the Miracle’. You’ve got a fan in me Lerone, rooting for you in your next fight!
Unbelievable. This guy’s resilience is something else…To face death TWICE and come back even stronger, that’s next level. Props to you Murphy! keep on fightin’
guys can we just take a minute to appreciate how much of a beast murphy is? shot in the face, hit by a car, and still at the top of his game. Mad respect.
Whoa! Murphy’s story is absolutely insane! respect for the guy to turn his life around, despite all the crazy stuff he’s been through. A true champ!