Lauren Murphy first starts by celebrating getting her first submission victory in Abu Dhabi and then makes her case for a title shot, pointing out that she's on a four-fight win streak in the division with most of those coming over ranked competition. She then promises Alaska that the net time she fights, she's walking out of the cage with the belt. Pretty good promo from Lucky Lauren Murphy.

Lauren Murphy submits Liliya Shakirova with a rear-naked choke at 3:31 of Round 2. 

The first round was certainly close and could have gone either way but I favor Murphy just because the shots she did land carried more weight, and it seems Murphy's corner agrees.

Round two starts the same as the first, with Murphy still stalking forward and Shakirova moving a lot but not terribly effectively. Murphy is now marching Shakirova down at will and the newcomer is clearly a little tired. Murphy just keeps coming with footwork and combinations. The two clinch and Murphy lands some knees before Shakirova gets out and is back on her bike. 

After some work in space without much damage, the two clinch again and Murphy lands some uppercuts before just muscling Shakirova to the mat. The physical disparity between these two women is very evident and Murphy is now smothering Shakirova on top and looking to pass. Murphy stands and then scoop passes the legs to move to side control but Shakirova rolls to turle. Murphy is on her back instantly and now throws in the hooks and has an arm under the neck already! Shakirova is in trouble! Murphy locks her hands and hides her other hand behind the head and Shakirova taps! Impressive performance from Lauren Murphy.

The two women opt not to touch gloves and Murphy takes the center of the cage to start. Murphy in an orthodox stance and Shakirova is switching stances and moving a lot early. Murphy doing a good job of cutting the cage of and Shakirova is loading up and spending a lot of energy early. Shakirova lands a spinning back fist which is the best shot so far.

Murphy backs Shakirova up to the cage and after Murphy throws a right hand, Shakirova ducks down on a low single, She nearly completes it but Murphy uses a whizzer to fight it off and keep the fight on the feet.

Shakirovais ducking her head a lot when Murphy steps in and Murphy is now countering better. Shakirova is still throwing lots of kicks and big movements out there but nothing significant is landing for either woman. Again Murphy gets Shakirova to the fence and Shakirova goes for a single leg but Murphy defends and starts landing elbows while Shakirova is hanging onto the leg. 

Murphy appears to be the more physical fighter as Shakirova can't get anything done in the clinch. They separate and Shakirova's hands are hanging low now. Seems the newcomer is getting a bit tired.

MMAFighting scores the round 10-9 Murphy.

Shakirova doesn't lack for confidence coming into this bout and now she gets the chance to back up what she's been saying about Murphy all fight week. Murphy looks like she's having a great time during her walkout and the two women are now in the cage.

Bruce Buffer goes through the intros and it's Lucasz Bosacki with control of the cage to get things started.

We go from a fight with a possible future title contender to  another one with Lauren Murphy taking on the UFC debutante Liliya Shakirova. Murphy is on a three fight win streak and a win here could put her in line for a title shot.