Lauren Murphy: I want a title shot

Lauren Murphy dropped to flyweight in 2017, and is on a four-fight win streak, capped by submitting Liliya Shakirova in Round 2 at UFC 254 on Saturday. Post-fight she said she wanted a shot at division champion Valentina Shevchenko.

Before the fight, Shakirova tried to get a reaction, but got the finger.

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1319542571023110146

In the fight, Murphy got the W.

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1320076242889117702

Then from the fence she shouted to the press row, Stop overlooking me!. I’m the true No. 1 contender!”

https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1320078577254211585

Next she offered a bold prediction to Jon Anik.

Listen to me, said Murphy. The next time I step into this cage, it will be to fight for the UFC belt. The next time I step out of it, I will be wearing it. I promise.

https://twitter.com/espnmma/status/1320078577254211585

And at the post-fight press conference, Murphy, 37, argued her #5 ranking is too low, and again advocated for a title shot.

It feels great,” he said. “My confidence is probably the No. 1 thing that I’ve improved, my striking is the second thing that I’ve improved the most. Just going through the process and staying calm has been huge. I’ve gotten a ton of help; it takes a village to make a fighter.

I utilize the best of the best in every aspect. I have the best sports psychologist, the best nutritionist, the best strength and conditioning. I have the best striking coaches, the best grappling coaches. Literally, I hand-picked a team to be around me that is the best of the best, and I think it’s showing.

Hopefully everyone will stop overlooking me. Almost my whole career, I’ve been the underdog, people have looked past me and I think that’s going to stop now. I’ve really grown into myself as an athlete, I’m a veteran in this game. I’ve seen it all, I’ve done it all and I think people are not going to look past me anymore.

I want a title shot next. I want a shot at the champion, whoever that may be.”