Lauren Murphy vs Joanne Calderwood Fight Scheduled for June 12 UFC Event

First reported by MMA Junkie, Lauren Murphy will be taking on Joanne Calderwood in a matchup that features two surging title-contenders looking to elevate themselves above the rest on their quest to a UFC title shot.

Murphy vs Calderwood: Will A Title Challenger Emerge?

Lauren Murphy (14-4, 6-4 UFC)

“Lucky” is riding a very impressive four-fight win streak, with victories over names such as Mara Romero Borella (UFC on ESPN 5), Andrea Lee (UFC 247), Roxanne Modafferi (UFC Vegas 3), and most recently Liliya Shakirova (UFC 254).

The road to Murphy vs Calderwood was a tough one in the beginning for “Lucky”. Acquiring an 8-0 record under promotional banners such as Alaska FC, LFA, and Invicta FC, Murphy would suffer her first professional loss at her UFC debut against Sara McMann. Instead of bouncing back, her next fight against Liz Carmouche would result in another loss. It had to have been tough, as both defeats were via decision, and MMA judging can be notoriously shoddy.

After those first two defeats, the road to Murphy vs Calderwood would continue to be a tough one for “Lucky”. Going 2-2 in her next four with losses at the hands of Katlyn Chookagian and Sijara Eubanks. After the initial hardships, the path to Murphy vs Calderwood would brighten for “Lucky”. As she would go on the previously mentioned four fight run.

Joanne Calderwood (15-5, 7-5 UFC)

“Jojo” is a fan favorite, who is most recently coming off of an impressive performance over Jessica Eye at UFC 257. Dominating the fight to earn a decision victory, Calderwood showed that her frenetic pace is not something to take lightly.

While already having earned a title shot after her 2019 decision victory over Andrea Lee at UFC 247, “Jojo” opted instead for activity, and took on Jennifer Maia at UFC Vegas 5. Losing that fight via first round armbar submission, Calderwood would come out on the wrong side of the gamble and derail her hopes for a title shot. Following the loss to Maia, the previously discussed fight with Eye came next.

UFC 263 Preview

UFC 263 is shaping up to be a packed card, and with the addition of Murphy vs Calderwood it’s just getting better! While the order of bouts may get shuffled as fights fall off or get added to the card; this is the current UFC 263 lineup:

• Flyweight Championship Fight: D. Figueiredo vs Brandon Moreno
• Featherweight: Hakeem Dawodu vs Movsar Evloev
• Light Heavyweight: Paul Craig vs Jamahal Hill
• Women’s Flyweight: Lauren Murphy vs Joanne Calderwood
• Heavyweight: Carlos Felipe vs.Jake Collier
• Lightweight: Fares Ziam vs.  Luigi Vendramini
• Women’s Bantamweight: Karol Rosa vs Sijara Eubanks

Besides Murphy vs Calderwood, which fight are you most excited for? Leave your predictions and comments below!

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