Lerone Murphy says fighting is his “therapy” as he prepares to take on Dan Ige at UFC 308 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
The Manchester fighter is nicknamed ‘The Miracle’, having experienced two near-death moments in his life.
Murphy was shot in the face in 2013 and was in a collision with a car while riding his bike in 2022.
The 33-year-old is at the peak of his powers in his fighting career with an undefeated record, and he says each bout in his 15-fight career has been a “therapy appointment”.
“That’s what fighting is to me, you get to know yourself a lot more. I feel like all fighters have some sort of demons; it’s a weird thing,” Murphy told BBC Sport.
“It’s a constant test, the mixed emotions you get, the rollercoaster of emotions.
“I feel it makes you into a better man and I pretty much need fighting. It’s good for me.”
Murphy, who says he has not undergone any therapy outside the cage, is coming off the biggest win of his career against top contender Edson Barboza.
The bout in May was awarded ‘Fight of the Night’ and was the first time Murphy had headlined as a UFC fighter.
But Murphy is still building his reputation in the division, with the likes of British stars Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall gaining the most traction in the last year.
Murphy is one of the few UFC fighters from England left standing who is undefeated and says he knows his talents have “gone under the radar”.
“It’s just because I’m quiet. Nobody recognised Leon until he won the belt,” Murphy said.
“I think you don’t have to go out there and be a loudmouth, but you have to do more work in the cage if you’re not.
“But for me I’m just focused on what I’m doing really, If I win this fight I’m 15-0 [with one draw], you can’t deny me.”
American fighter Ige, 33, has experienced mixed fortunes in his recent fights, losing to Diego Lopes on points in June after a huge one-punch knockout against Andre Fili in February.
When Murphy last fought in Abu Dhabi he produced a flying knee knockout to beat Makwan Amirkhani, the last stoppage on his record.
The Englishman is hoping for more of the same on Saturday.
“I feel like a win puts me as a serious contender in the division. I’ll be 15-0, eight fights in the UFC. I feel they have to pay some recognition if I get that win. I’ll be looking at a top-five opponent,” Murphy said.
Looking a year down the line, Murphy has high hopes for his future.
“I want to be champion or challenging for the title at least,” he said.
“Obviously it comes down to performances and being in the right place at the right time, but Diego Lopes just came off a win over Dan Ige and he’s the back-up fighter now for this championship fight [between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway] so I’m close.
“I just need good performances and being ready.”
UFC 308 is headlined by the featherweight world title fight between champion Ilia Topuria and former belt holder Max Holloway.
Murphy sits 12th in the UFC featherweight rankings, with British rival Arnold Allen at number seven.
They are likely to meet in the future, says Murphy, who says he does not like to call anyone out or “ask” for specific opponents.
“I don’t turn down fights,” Murphy said. “I’m sure he’s going to be in or around there for years to come, so there’s a good possibility we’ll get matched up.”
