Two featherweights took center stage at the UFC Vegas 105 headliner on Saturday, unfolding an exciting match at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The fight showcased No. 8 ranked Josh Emmett against No. 10 ranked Lerone Murphy, with both fighters having plenty at stake.
For Emmett, coming off a thrilling knockout victory over Bryce Mitchell, this fight was about maintaining his momentum. Meanwhile, Murphy aimed to preserve his undefeated streak and secure a career-defining win.
As the bout began, both fighters exhibited caution, acknowledging each other’s formidable skills. Emmett was quick to close the distance, but Murphy responded skillfully with a precise counter right hand. Trading shots, Murphy landed another right from close range, while Emmett retaliated with a body shot. However, Emmett was soon bleeding from his forehead, likely due to an accidental clash of heads. Later in the round, Murphy became more aggressive, delivering leg kicks as Emmett searched for a powerful connect. According to MMAWeekly, Murphy edged the round 10-9.
As the second round commenced, Emmett wasted no time diving in with a right hand. He cleverly worked into a takedown, hoisting Murphy and slamming him to the mat. Murphy managed a guillotine choke to create space and scrambled back to his feet. Adding flair, Murphy executed a spinning back kick to Emmett’s body, prompting Emmett to attempt another takedown. After some knees from Murphy, they separated, and the round ended with MMAWeekly scoring it 10-9 for Murphy, noting the closeness of the rounds.
In the third round, Emmett came out aggressively, prompting Murphy to counter with an elbow. Not backing down, Emmett replied with a series of right hands, landing one clean that left Murphy stumbling into a single-leg attempt. Emmett dismissed it effortlessly, and they jostled for position by the fence. After a quick break thanks to an accidental eye poke, Emmett buckled down, charging forward with combinations only to meet a stiff body kick from Murphy. As Emmett initiated a takedown, Murphy scrambled up and found freedom. This time, MMAWeekly saw the round for Emmett, 10-9.
With tactical advice from his corner to ‘play the bully,’ Emmett entered the fourth round determined. Initially, it was Murphy who landed a solid body kick. As the fight unfolded, Murphy’s leg kicks began to take a toll, his excellent footwork preventing Emmett from closing the gap. Despite Emmett’s aggressive moves in the pocket, Murphy’s kicks dictated the pace, and an oblique kick and a front kick maintained distance. Emmett tried relentlessly to ground the fight as Murphy danced on the outside, with Emmett managing a counter right following a leg kick. Another staggering left hand from Murphy led to some frustration for Emmett, evident in his taunting, but Murphy, unintimidated, aced a spinning back kick to end the round.
The closing moments saw both fighters pushing their limits, but it was Murphy’s tactics and execution that impressed the judges. Scores were tallied, and the verdict was in Murphy’s favor via unanimous decision: 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46. An impressive night for the undefeated fighter, who silenced critics and left the cage with a great triumph.
