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'I cheated death twice and doctors told me I'd never fight again - I'm back at UFC 286'

Lerone Murphy survived three gunshots, almost died from blood loss after a car accident and was told by doctors he would never fight again - but he's back at UFC 286

[ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 30: Lerone Murphy of England celebrates after his knockout victory over Makwan Amirkhani of Finland in a featherweight fight during the UFC 267 event at Etihad Arena on October 30, 2021 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.]

Lerone Murphy is nicknamed 'The Miracle' and for good reason(Image: Chris Unger/ZuffaLLC/Getty)

Undefeated UFC featherweight Lerone Murphy is back in action at UFC 286 this weekend - having been told by doctors to stop fighting after cheating death twice.

Nicknamed The Miracle, Murphy surviving being hit by three bullets in Manchester back in 2013 and nearly died from blood loss last year after being hit by a car while on his bike.

Having been rushed to hospital after both incidents, Murphy was told by a medical official that his fighting career was over - before making a full recovery.

READ MORE: 'Dana White broke his rules to sign me - I'll prove him right again at UFC 286'

With a professional record of 11 wins, no defeats and one draw, the 31-year-old remains a highly promising British project despite not fighting since 2021.

Before UFC 286, Murphy was left in limbo after Brit rival Nathaniel Wood was forced to withdraw with injury, before the UFC found him an opponent at late notice in the form of newcomer Gabriel Santos.

Speaking to the media on fight week, Murphy said: "I'm just grateful to be here more than anything. I'm excited. Usually with fight week it's different but this time I'm just grateful."

Who will be the third British UFC champion after Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

[Lerone Murphy of England poses for a portrait after his victory during the UFC Fight Night event inside Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 16, 2020 in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. ]

Lerone Murphy begun an MMA career after surviving three gunshot wounds(Image: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC/Getty Images)

He added of his two near-death incidents when asked what has kept him going: "Purpose, I've got a big purpose in life and that's what pushes me on.

"I've feel like a got a reason to me here. I was told I wouldn't fight again but that's what they always say don't they, now I've made a full recovery.

"My time off has shown me resilience, that time off was good for me, I needed that."

[UFC star Lerone Murphy again feels lucky to be alive after being hit by a car]

Lerone Murphy feels lucky to be alive after being shot and later hit by a car(Image: Instagram @lpresi145)

The main event brings welterweight champion Leon Edwards (20-3) and former champ Kamaru Usman (20-2) together for a third time following Usman's 2015 decision victory and Edwards' brutal KO victory in August.

Speaking to Daily Star Sport back in October, Edwards said: "It was one of the worst performances of my career and that was the best Usman we're going to get.

"That's what he does in fights that's the best we will see - and it was the worst of me. I think it will be a totally different fight - with the same result."

READ NEXT:

• 'I'm going under the radar in the rise of British MMA - I let my fighting do the talking'
• UFC 286 preview as Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman headlines and Justin Gaethje returns
• Darren Till says he wanted UFC release and still 'cool as f***' with boss Dana White
• 'My dad fought on the streets in the Soviet Union - now I'm making him proud in the UFC'

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