UFC FIGHT NIGHT 241 Betting Prediction: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy 5/18/2024
With the UFC Fight Night 241 that takes place on May 18, 2024, the hype is on and fans and bettors are all excitedly finding out the details about the featherweight bout between Edson “Junior” Barboza and Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy. This battle is going to be full of action and is important for both the fighters, Barboza will use his experience to beat the undefeated Murphy. Taking part of the latest MMA betting picks, this bout is distinguished not only by the opposites of the records of the fighters but also by its importance in the featherweight rankings. UFC Apex in Las Vegas and ESPN+ broadcast is the major event of the MMA calendar.
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy Game Info
| When: | Saturday, May 18 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Edson Barboza Analysis
Edson Barboza, who has a professional record of 24 wins, 11 losses, and no draws, is famous for his striking abilities that are considered to be the worst. Averaging 4.18, Barboza has considerable strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 45%, thus he can give powerful and precise strikes that have formed his fighting career. Though he is absorbing 4.34 strikes per minute, his defensive skills are still strong at 57%. In the grappling division, Barboza is controlled by his moderation with the average of 0.48 takedowns every 15 minutes and a takedown defense of 75% which shows his ability to control the pace and area of the fight. His recent win against Yusuff demonstrated his striking skills and resilience, thus he became a worthy opponent for any fighter. These characteristics may have a great impact on the bout’s result since he has to deal with a much younger but undefeated opponent.
Lerone Murphy Analysis
Lerone Murphy enters the octagon with a perfect 13-0-1 record, which he proves to be a skill as well as a psychological edge. Murphy raises the hackling rate to 3.65 significant hakes per minute with a high accuracy of 50%, and at the same time he lowers the hit absorption rate to 2.40 per minute, thus showing that he is a more efficient striker and a better defensive one. His grappling stats tell us that on average he has 1.29 takedowns every 15 minutes and a submission rate of 0.9 per 15 minutes which shows that he is more aggressive in grappling than Barboza. Murphy’s last fight against Culibao shows his increasing skill in both striking and grappling, which proves that he is ready to raise his game against a seasoned fighter like Barboza.
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy Stats
| Barboza | Murphy | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 24-11-0 | 13-0-1 |
| Average Fight Time | 11:45 | 11:35 |
| Height | 5′ 11″ | 5′ 9″ |
| Weight | 145 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
| Reach | 75″ | 73″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.18 | 3.65 |
| Striking Accuracy | 45% | 50% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.34 | 2.40 |
| Defense | 57% | 56% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.48 | 1.29 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 50% | 46% |
| Takedown Defense | 75% | 46% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.1 | 0.9 |
Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy Betting Picks
Since Barboza has the odds to win at -111 and Murphy at -119, this matchup is almost a draw, therefore, this fight is very tight. Neither boxer has his own weaknesses, Barbaa has the experience and the power to hit, and Murphy has the case of the unbeaten record and the balanced skill set as his. The deciding factor might be Murphy’s defense and his wrestling that would be able to counter Barboza’s striking advantage.
The more preferred choice seems to be slightly favoring Lerone Murphy. His skill to take fewer strikes and his greater grappling ratio give him the instruments to possibly dictate the pace and location of the fights. This strategy could be the key in stopping Barboza’s striking-heavy game plan.
Free Pick: Lerone Murphy -119
As we approach UFC Fight Night 241, the featherweight bout between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy is not just a test of skill but also of strategic acumen. With both fighters possessing distinctive advantages, this fight is a must-watch for fans and a critical one for bettors looking to make top-tier online betting picks. The slight edge goes to Murphy, based on his impeccable defense and versatility, making him a promising pick for the night.
