Makwan Amirkhani vs Lerone Murphy Odds, Preview and Prediction, October 30 (10/30): UFC

Credit: photo by Per Haljestam-USA TODAY Sports

 

Odds

Time (Preliminary Card)	10:30 a.m. EST
Makwan Amirkhani money line	+260
Lerone Murphy money line	-330

 

Key stats

	Makwan Amirkhani	Lerone Murphy
Height	5'10	5'9
Weight	145	145
Reach	72'	73.5'
Record	16-6	10-1
Streak	L1	W2
Last 5	2-3	4-0-1

 

Preview

 

In the Featherweight division, we have a showdown between Makwan ‘Mr. Finland’ Amirkhani and Lerone ‘The Miracle’ Murphy. In 2015, Amirkhani debuted with an eight-second knockout over Andy Ogle. He then proceeded to win his next two fights. However, it’s been tough times since then, as Amirkhani has only won three of his next six fights. Meanwhile, Murphy has won two straight fights since fighting to a draw in his UFC debut. The most recent victory came against the dangerous knockout artist Douglas Silva de Andrade. Still unbeaten, the Brit looks to have the potential to be a contender in due time.

 

Prediction

 

Once upon a time, Makwan Amirkhani was that new exciting toy. However, his inability to evolve and correct his flaws have seen him become an afterthought in the Featherweight division. The problem therein lies in his cardio and near one dimensional style. While Amirkhani has taken down everyone but Andy Ogle (who he knocked out in eight seconds), his striking just isn’t a complementary tool to aid him should he run into a better grappler. In fact, the most significant strikes Amirkhani has landed in a fight is thirty two. While Lerone Murphy isn’t that active of a striker himself, he is a very cerebral one. With legit power, Murphy does a good job at picking his shots and avoiding being hit.

As for a prediction, I have Murphy. While his takedown defense can be worrisome at times, Murphy has done a better job at keeping the fight upright since his debut against Zubaira Tukhugov. Even if Amirkhani finds success early in getting the fight down, I’m confident Murphy will find a way back up and get the better of the Finn on the feet. By round three, a tired Amirkhani will get dominated and lose via decision.

 

PICK: Lerone Murphy (-330)

 

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