Issue 207

July 2024

After surviving a violent shooting, undefeated UFC featherweight Lerone Murphy reflects on his journey, resilience, and rise in MMA.

Over a decade ago, MMA athlete Lerone Murphy's life took a dramatic turn in a flash of violence. At 21, he waited outside his barber's shop for a quick trim before jetting off to Ibiza with his cousin the next day. His cousin had dashed back home to retrieve a forgotten item, leaving Murphy alone briefly.

In that fateful instant, a car rolled by with its windows down, and gunshots shattered the calm. Bullets struck Murphy in the mouth, narrowly missing vital areas. As he lay bleeding on the ground, his cousin returned, found him in a pool of blood, and acted swiftly. He scooped Murphy up, rushed him into the car, and sped to the hospital. That night, Murphy's cousin saved his life.

Murphy spent two weeks in the hospital recovering from his injuries. Despite the harrowing experience, his passion for martial arts remained unshaken. As soon as he was released, he immersed himself in watching martial arts videos, fueled by a renewed determination.

Today, the undefeated UFC featherweight, now 32 years old, reflects on his incredible journey and resilience. In an in-depth interview with Emma Bramford, Murphy shares the lifestyle behind his astonishing win streak and the pivotal moments that shaped his path to greatness.

How did you find martial arts?

I found martial arts because I used to watch it. I've always been into it. And then a gym opened just round the corner from me. My cousin trained there, and he told me to come down. So, I went down, tried it out, and loved it. It's just a nice place to be. It just took your mind off everything else that was going on. And yeah, it's fun. It's fun to learn.

What gym did you first train at?

All Powers Gym

When did you decide to turn pro?

I went pro in 2016. I won an amateur title. I won an amateur title in 2015, and then I thought it was time to go pro now. I only had four amateur fighters, but I was training with the best guys. And I was holding my own with the best guys. I went to America, I was training out there, sparring with UFC athletes, and I just thought, I'm ready to go now.

Like, no more wasting time. I started late anyway, so I went to pro in 2016 and 2015.

Tell us about your nickname, 'The Miracle.'

Yeah, it's a miracle that I'm still here. Like, not many people get shot in the face and still survive. So, yeah, that's where I come from. 

How did you feel when you agreed to take on Edson Barbosa?

Yeah, excited. I was like, obviously, that fear factor is there because you're fighting a legend, a dangerous legend that's knocked out a lot of people. But it's like the excitement of that. I knew it would bring out the best in me, and I would have the best performance of my life. So that's why I was excited. Yeah, it was a perfect opportunity. But the only thing I was worried about was the five rounds. And then, when I got in there, five rounds were a breeze. I could have done more. So, the training camp went well. I was happy.

What do you see next for you?

I see next, I see a top 10 opponent, and I'm just going to keep shooting as high as possible. I will keep pushing for big fights and testing myself. For me, it's not about now. It's about where I need to be in it. I want to be a champion, so I don't care what road I take. I don't care if I take any losses. I don't care about anything. I want to keep pushing myself, challenging myself, and seeing how far I can get. Do you get what I'm saying? Nobody's beat me yet, so I'm not scared. I'm not afraid of that. I want to keep, not rolling the dice. I wouldn't say rolling the dice, but I want to keep challenging myself and taking that subsequent considerable risk, the next big challenge, and just seeing how far I can get, as I said.

Can we see a title run next year for you?

I hope so. If all goes well. I'm trying to have another two fights this year. So, in a perfect world, it'd be early next year. But who knows? This game's a crazy game. Anything can happen, and we'll see. But yeah, in a perfect world, I have two fights this year and then fight for the title next year. I'm aiming for September at the latest and maybe again at the end of the year, December or November.

Tell us about fighting late in the night with respect to the UFC in Manchester? 

I've done it before. It's not nice. Don't get me wrong. I fought in Abu Dhabi at 5 am because they needed to cover the American audience when it's a pay-per-view. So, I get it, but it's hard for the fighters, but they're doing it for the fans at the end of the day. And that's what pays everybody in it. And they're putting on a fantastic card in Manchester, probably one of the best cards the UK has ever seen, so take the rough with the smooth.

Who would you choose if you could swap places with another sportsman from any sport?

It would have to be an elite footballer because I could change the world with that money.

Is a fight with Nathaniel Wood going to materialize in 2025?

If Nathaniel Wood starts winning and gets into the top 15 and 10, then by all means, I'm not bothered about Nathaniel Wood. I'm concerned about getting that title.

Why was your nickname, Iceman? 

The Iceman was the first nickname I got given in MMA, and that's because I'm just so cool and calm, calculated, and killer.

How do you relax?

My favorite hobby is cooking. I enjoy cooking so much. I'm a massive foodie. But I love cooking. It's just like relaxing. It is rewarding at the end as well, so that's why I enjoy cooking.

Do you keep the walkout music the same or change it up for the crowd?

No, I keep my workout music the same. I do it, and I keep it the same for every fight. My workout music is Tupac, Ambitions of the Rider. And I do it for myself, always, because you're the only person getting in there. So, the music is to get me in the right mindset to fight. I don't care if anyone likes it or not, to be honest.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

No, not for me, no.

What TV Shows are you into right now?

Money Heist, BMF, BMF2, Power, Force, Raising Kanan

What's your all-time favorite show to watch?

Money Heist

Give us your all-time top five movies.

I'll go for Denzel Washington. He's my favorite actor, so I like any film by him. I forgot the name of the movie, though, to be honest. Above the Rim, Tupac, Wolf of Wall Street, 300, Rocky IV. 

What car are you driving these days?

Mercedes A Class

What was your first car?

Fiat Punto

What's your dream car?

Lamborghini or a Range Rover Defender

Do you have a playlist you listen to when you're warming up? 

I don't have a playlist. I skip through the tracks. I've got motivational videos, like those crazy ones. And then I've got chilled music, which would be like Bob Marley. And then I've got like Tupac and stuff like that.

What games do you play?

Call of Duty and FIFA

What's your pre-fight meal?

I eat salmon and rice or something like that, just carbs and protein.

What's your post-fight meal?

Pizza. Just a good margarita, New York-style pizza.

What five items would you take on a deserted island?

PlayStation

Books

Headphone

Phone

Boxing gloves

You're holding a dinner party. You can invite three guests, past or present. Who will they be, and why? Old, new, dead, alive.

Mike Tyson, Tupac, and Malcolm X.

What inspires and motivates you during your training?

Just making a better life, I'd say.

What sets you apart from other fighters?

My past, background, and that hunger.

What are your goals for the next two to three years?

To be a champion and retired.

What does legacy look like to you?

Legacy is winning the title, defending it a few times, and retiring on top.

What do you do in your spare time away from fighting?

Cook and relax. That's it, literally. Cook, relax, and spend time with family.