UFC Vegas 92 Main Event: Betting Breakdown

This Saturday, May 18, 2024, the UFC returns to its home base at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, NV for UFC Vegas 92, featuring a featherweight clash between Edson Barboza and Lerone Murphy as the main event.

With the prelims kicking off at 4:00 p.m. ET and the main card at 7:00 p.m. ET, fans can catch the action on ESPN+.

Event Details:

• What: UFC Vegas 92 Main Event
• Who: Edson Barboza vs. Lerone Murphy
• Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024
• Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
• Time: Main Card at 7:00 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: ESPN+
• Odds 

Background:

Edson Barboza (+127), a veteran of the UFC since 2010 and currently ranked No. 11 in the featherweight division, comes into this fight with a professional record of 24-11, including 14 knockouts.

Barboza is known for his dynamic striking and has secured fight-night bonuses in his two most recent bouts. He last fought in October, securing a “Fight of the Night” decision win over Sodiq Yusuff.

Lerone Murphy (-147), relatively newer to the UFC with a debut in 2019, holds an unbeaten record of 13-0-1 in the UFC.

Murphy fought twice in 2023 and is coming off a unanimous decision win over Joshua Culibao in July. His technical striking and quick movement make him a formidable opponent.

Betting Odds and Analysis:

Moneyline Odds at BetOnline

• Edson Barboza: +127
• Lerone Murphy: -147

Despite Barboza’s experience and striking prowess, he faces a significant challenge against Murphy, who is the betting favorite. Murphy’s recent performances and undefeated streak have set high expectations for his potential in the division.

Fighters Breakdown  & Head To Head

Edson Barboza		Lerone Murphy
24-11-0	Record	13-0-1
5′ 11″	Height	5′ 9″
146 lbs	Weight	146 lbs
75″	Reach	73.5″
Orthodox	Stance	Orthodox
4.18	Sig Strk LPM	3.65
46.02	Sig Strk Acc	57.37
0.48	Takedown Average	1.29
50.00	Takedown Accuracy	46.15
0.09	Submission Average	0.86

Edson Barboza:

Barboza’s striking is among the best in the UFC, characterized by his speed, effectiveness, and an array of techniques. His tactical approach, combined with good head movement and ability to cut angles, makes him a tough matchup for any fighter. Moreover, he is comfortable on the ground, making him versatile in his fight strategy.

Lerone Murphy:

Murphy is recognized for his technical striking, combining speed with power. His ability to quickly close distances, deliver strikes, and evade counters highlights his skill set. However, his takedown defense has been a point of concern, having been taken down multiple times in recent fights, although he has demonstrated an ability to recover and return to his feet effectively.

Predictions and Best Bets:

The matchup promises to be an exciting contest with both fighters possessing the ability to dominate on the feet. While Murphy is favored due to his recent form and rising momentum, Barboza’s experience and striking ability could very well tilt the fight in his favor if he manages to control the pace and utilize his technical striking efficiently.

The best bet for this fight would be to expect a closely contested battle, potentially going the distance. Given Barboza’s track record and the challenges Murphy presents, betting on Barboza to win by decision could offer value, considering his experience in high-stakes fights and ability to execute under pressure.

This fight is a critical test for both fighters, with Barboza looking to prove he still belongs at the top of the division and Murphy aiming to solidify his place among the elite with a win over a seasoned opponent like Barboza.