Home » UFC » Lauren Murphy explains why Cynthia Calvillo is next on her list of opponents

Lauren Murphy picked up an impressive win over Roxanne Modafferi at UFC Las Vegas 3

UFC star Lauren Murphy has set her next target in Cynthia Calvillo. Calvillo surprisingly defeated Jessica Eye in a catchweight clash and is eyeing a fight against the champion Valentina Shevchenko.

Lauren Murphy won her last bout
(R-L) Lauren Murphy kicks Roxanne Modafferi in their flyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 20, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Murphy, for her part, beat Roxanne Modafferi last weekend and was interviewed by Helen Yee. The 36-year-old wants to fight Calvillo next and was asked why she picked her out:

“I think Cynthia is a great fighter, an outstanding fighter. For a Strawweight to walk into the flyweight division and take the No.2 spot, she really made a statement with that. I want to make a statement, I think I can beat Cynthia, I want to show the world I can do it.

“I want that spot in the rankings and I want to fight for the contender-ship.”

Lee again asked if she was called out due to her rankings and Murphy responded:

“Also because of her performance. I am not afraid of anybody in this division and she is the girl to beat right now. She really did make a statement coming in and beating Jessica like that.”

Murphy also claimed she would keep on fighting till she got a title shot from the UFC. The American wasn’t afraid of who her opponents were and even claimed she had beaten tougher opponents that Shevchenko’s rival for the title Joanne Calderwood.

Not an easy fight

While Calvillo picking up the win was a bit of a shock, she did say that hard work had made her lucky.

However, Murphy believed Calvillo wasn’t an easy opponent, despite what others believed:

“She also said that some people think that she isn’t an easy fight at flyweight. I never said she was an easy fight at flyweight. I have never been given an easy fight in the UFC and I don’t expect it to start now, and I am looking forward to a tough fight.”

Cynthia Calvillo beat Jessica Eye
Cynthia Calvillo after the conclusion of her flyweight fight against Jessica Eye during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on June 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Murphy is now on a three-fight win streak and it will be interesting to see what happens next. She is keen on returning to fight soon and possibly aiming for the title, but there are many rivals for Shevchenko’s title.

Shevchenko is considered as one of the greatest MMA stars ever and Katlyn Chookagian is ranked 1st in the division.

Calvillo has shot up to second with her win while Murphy is currently seventh in the division.

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