Lerone Murphy seems to have a knack for cheating death or, at the very least, dancing uncomfortably close to it.
A UFC featherweight contender hailing from Manchester, England, Murphy came to prominence after surviving a 2013 shooting incident where he took three bullets, one of which has permanently lodged itself in his tongue. Fast forward to May 2022, Murphy found himself in yet another life-threatening situation: a harrowing cycling accident that landed him in the hospital. He later referred to the incident as yet “another brush with the Reaper.”
After a triumphant victory against Joshua Culibao at UFC London, Murphy took some time to sit down with The MMA Hour to delve into the details of his biking mishap.
“In hindsight, the location of the accident might’ve saved my life. If I had been on some dimly lit side street, not only would the driver have likely sped away, but there would have been no Good Samaritan to rush out of their home with a towel to staunch my bleeding,” Murphy recounted. “I was sprawled on the pavement, thinking it was game over for me, especially when the ambulance took its sweet 45 minutes to arrive. But hey, fate had other plans, and here I am.”
The accident occurred when a car abruptly turned right, colliding into Murphy. Though he asserts he wasn’t to blame for the incident, Murphy has sworn off cycling for the foreseeable future, prioritizing his safety.
“In the world of cycling, you’re basically a sitting duck. No matter how sturdy your helmet, it’s no match for a two-ton vehicle,” Murphy explained. “I’m retiring my bike, hanging up my cycling shorts. Why? Because you can’t control the traffic around you, and I’m not willing to gamble with my life again.”
Murphy’s reluctance to take such risks again is rational, particularly considering his escalating UFC career. After a split draw in his debut fight against Zubaira Tukhugov, he’s been on a winning streak, boasting an impressive undefeated professional record of 13-0-1.
Sadly, the injuries he sustained from the cycling accident made him miss out on the UFC’s second event in London last year, adding to his woes after he had to withdraw from UFC 286 because Nathaniel Wood pulled out due to a leg injury.
But Murphy is anything but down and out. He considers himself to be in excellent health, a world apart from where he was a little over a year ago.
“I’ve returned to form, but I won’t lie, I was battling post-concussion syndrome for a considerable period. I was in a gloomy headspace for about six weeks,” Murphy shared. “Thankfully, I have a strong support circle. Friends would drag me out for fresh air and walks when times were particularly dark. I told my mom recently, comparing then to now is like night and day. I’ve reclaimed my place, fought two battles in the Octagon, and I genuinely feel like I’m king of the hill.”
Whether Murphy is the luckiest or unluckiest man is up for debate. What’s not debatable? The man’s indomitable spirit and will to survive—both in and out of the Octagon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lerone Murphy’s journey
What near-death experiences has Lerone Murphy survived?
Lerone Murphy has survived two significant near-death experiences. The first was a shooting incident in 2013, where he was hit by three bullets, one of which is still lodged in his tongue. The second was a cycling accident in 2022 that left him hospitalized and caused him to miss important UFC events.
Who is Lerone Murphy in the world of UFC?
Lerone Murphy is a featherweight contender in the UFC. After a split draw in his debut match against Zubaira Tukhugov, he has maintained an undefeated professional record of 13-0-1. He is a rising star in the sport, gaining attention not only for his skills but also for his resilience and remarkable life story.
How has Murphy’s fighting career been affected by his near-death experiences?
Murphy’s near-death experiences have led him to reassess his priorities, especially when it comes to personal safety. While these experiences did force him to miss some fights and events, they haven’t derailed his career. If anything, they’ve added a layer of depth to his narrative as a fighter.
What measures has Murphy taken for his personal safety since the cycling accident?
After the 2022 cycling accident, Murphy decided to retire his bicycle and hang up his cycling shorts for good. He reasoned that cycling puts him at unnecessary risk, especially because a helmet provides insufficient protection against motor vehicles.
How is Lerone Murphy’s current health status?
As of the latest update, Murphy has returned to good health. He had been suffering from post-concussion syndrome following the cycling accident, which led to about six weeks of depression. However, he has managed to overcome this and feels like he is “on top of the world” now.
What was the context of Murphy’s latest interview?
Lerone Murphy sat down for an interview with The MMA Hour after his win against Joshua Culibao at UFC London. In the interview, he spoke about his near-death experiences, his journey in UFC, and how these events have shaped his outlook on life and his career.
More about Lerone Murphy’s journey
- Lerone Murphy’s Official UFC Profile
- The MMA Hour Interview with Lerone Murphy
- UFC London: Murphy vs. Culibao Fight Highlights
- The Incredible Story of Lerone Murphy’s 2013 Shooting Survival
- What is Post-Concussion Syndrome: A Medical Overview
- The Risks and Dangers of Urban Cycling: A Study
- UFC 286: The Fight That Never Happened between Murphy and Nathaniel Wood
10 comments
Post-concussion depression is no joke. Props to Murphy for opening up bout it, mental health matters y’all!
Split draw in his debut and then five straight wins? Murphy’s on fire. Can’t wait for his next fight. Dude’s gonna be a legend.
Whoa, Murphy’s a real-life action hero or what? Surviving bullets and bike accidents? This guy should be in movies, not just UFC. lol
I bet Murphy would make a sick character in a fighting game. Special move: survival instinct! haha
man, i feel for Murphy. Life threw everything but the kitchen sink at him. glad he’s back in the ring and kicking butt!
Undefeated and Unbreakable. That shud be Murphy’s tagline. 13-0-1 and still going strong, this guy’s got more lives than a cat!
Interesting read, but where’s the science behind post-concussion syndrome? Would’ve loved some medical insights in the article.
anyone else think Murphy’s life story needs to be a biopic like asap?? Hollywood, you listening??
Murphy’s cool n all, but undefeated? Let’s see him go against some top-tier fighters, then we’ll talk.
retiring his bike for safety, huh. Smart move. Seen too many cyclists get into nasty accidents. Helmets ain’t enough, peeps.