Exclusive: Lauren Murphy in talks to face Roxanne Modafferi

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta - USA TODAY Sports & UFC

A potential UFC flyweight title-eliminator between former Invicta FC bantamweight titleholder, 'Lucky' Lauren Murphy and veteran Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player, Roxanne 'The Happy Warrior' Modafferi is in the pipeline for a June 20th. event - according to Alaska native, Murphy.

The 36-year-old is currently riding a two-fight win streak, with triumphs coming against Mara Romero Borella, and Andrea 'KGB' Lee - which has seen her claim the #6 rank at 125-pounds. Popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Modafferi is a single spot ahead of Murphy in the official rankings at #5. The Delaware native put on a statement performance in her most recent outing, dominating rising prospect, Maycee Barber on her way to a lopsided unanimous decision victory.

Speaking with Colin Crandall from the MMA Power Hour, Murphy revealed the UFC is currently working toward pairing her with Modafferi - as both contenders strive toward a championship showdown in the not too distant future.

"The UFC wants me and Roxanne (Modafferi) to fight next, and me and Roxy are totally fine with it," Murphy revealed. "We both verbally agreed to it, it's just kinda about getting a date nailed down while everything is so crazy right now. Like I said, I need some time to make weight, and it's just been weird with the coronavirus. They're kinda scrambling to make cards right now, everything's weird."

It seems Murphy and Modafferi have been on a collision course ever since their most recent wins. Three weeks after Modafferi upset the odds and derailed Barber, Murphy had taken a judging win over the aforementioned, Lee - issuing a call out to Modafferi in her post-fight interview with UFC colour-commentator, Joe Rogan.

In terms of championship implications for this pairing, flyweight queen, Valentina Shevchenko is still expected to meet Joanne Calderwood later this year despite the fall out of her co-headliner at UFC 251. With higher-ranked contenders, Jennifer Maia, and Jessica Eye still yet to be booked in their respective next outings - a path to gold can seemingly be carved for either Murphy or Modafferi.

➜Twitter

➜Facebook

➜Instagram