Murphy wins split decision in UFC to claim 10th career victory

After dropping three of her previous four decisions, Lauren Murphy of Eagle River finally had one go her way.

The 34-year-old flyweight outpointed former Invicta FC champ Barb Honchak by the slimmest of margins, winning 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 to claim the three-round mixed martial arts fight at the Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale event in Las Vegas.

Stepping in on short notice, Murphy was added to the card just one day prior as a late replacement.

“Can’t put into words how happy I am today!,” she wrote on Instagram. “I went to war with Barb Honchak last night. I took the fight on ONE day’s notice. She is one of the best flyweights of all time, and was the #2 seed and semifinalist on #TUF26.”

Murphy, of Chugiak High fame, improved to 10-3 for her career, 2-3 in the UFC. Honchak fell to 10-3.

“This win means so much to me – every win does, but this one is extra special,” Murphy said. “I have so much respect for Barb. I think she is one of the best, and to even have a close fight with her would have been awesome, but to come out with a win is amazing.

“I’ve rolled with Barb before, and she’s submitted me before, so I knew it would be tough on the ground. With somebody like her, it really depends on who gets the better position. If you have us roll 10 times, we’re always going to have a different result, and it just so happens that tonight was my night.”