Welcome to the home of Darnell "Strong Soul" Murphy.
Darnell is an up and coming Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter on the pursuit of being the most exciting, dominate fighter in the Ultimate Fighter Championship (UFC). Part of Team Vicente Junior, this UFC hopeful fights under the leadership of Conquest BJJ/Level-Up Boxing in Bowie, MD.
At 24 years old, this Maryland resident's signature fighting style is electrifying and fueled by his passion to succeed. Known for his athleticism and charismatic demeanor, it is just a matter of time before Darnell is catapulted toward true stardom. His amateur record, which held two championship belts and were defended in three different weight classes, is reminiscent of him being a symbol of belief and determination.
While attending high school in Yokota, Japan and Bowie, MD, Murphy was an award winning champion of both wrestling teams. Some of his accomplishments include the outstanding wrestler award, most slams in a single season, and placing in both Beast of the East and the Far East wrestling tournaments. As a natural and very proficient wrestler, it was only by the suggestion of a friend that Murphy walked through the doors of Bowie MMA. The rest is history in the making.
In just his first year (2011) competing in mixed martial arts, Murphy won the 170lbs Virginia Combat Sport Sanction (VCSS) belt. He successfully defended it in the 145lbs and 155lbs division and remains champion today. He then won the Onslaught Fighting belt (OSF) two months later at 155lbs in the "enemy territory" in Winchester, Virginia.
Being a well rounded dedicated competitor, Murphy placed 2nd in only his 2nd Brazilian Jui-Jitsu tournament called NAGA (North American Grappling Association). The same year, Bowie MMA awarded Darnell Murphy The Best Grappler and No-Gi Grappler award.
In 2013, 4th degree Brazilian Jui-Jitsu Black Belt Carlos Catania and student of the phenom Sergio Penha awarded Murphy the ranking of Purple Belt, which he showcased by submitting all 7 out of the 10 opponents he has fought.
Now deciding to go pro, Murphy decided to change up the way he trains. In order to compete amongst the worlds highly skilled competitors. Strong Soul Murphy teamed up with Conquest BJJ in Millersville, MD to help strengthen up his ground skills and develop his tactical game plan. He also teamed up with Jason Farrell. A high ranked striking coach, who is also the owner and creator of Bowie, MD's newly found striking school Level-Up Boxing gym.
To Finalize his team, Murphy connects back with his long time friend and Strength & Conditioning Coach D'Angelo Kinard. D'Angelo Kinard is the creator, founder, and owner of Advanced Sports Performance.
Darnell Murphy will make his professional debut the summer of 2014 and truly testing himself and his skill set amongst MMA's elite athletes. Stay tuned in and follow Darnell "Strong Soul" Murphy's journey to the top.
