MMA Preview – Lauren Murphy vs Liliya Shakirova at UFC 254
LAUREN MURPHY VS LILIYA SHAKIROVA FACTS
When is UFC 254? Saturday 24th September, 2020 - 17:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 254? Flash Forum, Fight Island, Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 254? No tickets are available as this event will take place without spectators
What channel is UFC 254 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC 254? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
LAUREN MURPHY VS LILIYA SHAKIROVA LOWDOWN
Lauren Murphy (13-4) is coming off two of the biggest wins of her career. After losing a unanimous decision to Sijara Eubanks, she bounced back with a brilliant late finish and knockout over Mara Romero Borella and made it three-in-a-row by earning a split decision over Andrea Lee and a unanimous decision in her last outing over Roxanne Modafferi.
Liliya Shakirova (8-1) makes the trip from her native Uzbekistan to make her UFC debut filling in for Cynthia Calvillo who had to pull out after testing positive for COVID-19. She has accrued her record under a variety of promotions with her only loss coming to Julia Borisova in 2018. She is also now on a three-fight win streak and coming off her third knockout which came against Aygul Abduvakhid a year ago.
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LAUREN MURPHY VS LILIYA SHAKIROVA PREDICTION
Murphy is the clear favourite against the debutant stepping up on short notice. Shakirova is solid on the feet with the ability to comfortably switch stances but her main strength is her wrestling with dangerous ground-and-pound.
However, she will not bring anything to the table Murphy has not seen before. The durability of Shakirova will make it hard work for Murphy but she has the striking, grappling and experience to control the fight and walk away with a decision at least.
Prediction: Murphy via Decision
