On April 5, 2025 UFC is returning to Las Vegas for Saturday’s Fight Card, UFC Vegas 105. In the main event we have Josh Emmett taking on unbeaten Lerone Murphy. Their match result could decide the next contender for the Featherweight championship.
Murphy has never fought in a main event before and this Saturday he will take on “CC0” to solidify his position and continue his winning streak. On the other hand Emmett, will try his resilience against Murphy and to scar his streak with his powerful knockout punches.
Table of Contents
Fighters Background and Recent Performances
Josh Emmett
Josh Emmett is a veteran of the featherweight division. Soon after his debut in 2016, he quickly climbed the UFC ladder with his powerful striking and wrestling background. In his starting years he managed to secure wins over Jon Tuck and Scott Holtzman.
The fight against Ricardo Lamas was a turning point in his UFC career. He knocked out Lamas in the first round of their match and proved his domination in the division. However, his injuries kept him out from the action and seasonally available for the matches.
Now after years he positioned himself as a top contender for the championship by beating Calvin Kattar and Bryce Mitchell. With his win he managed to be positioned #8 in the UFC featherweight rankings. His next fight against Murphy can open the gates for his title opportunity.
Lerone Murphy
Lerone Murphy with his impressive striking and grappling technique has an undefeated professional record. The English guy has mixed techniques seamlessly that has made him a tough challenger for his opponents. Since his debut, he showcased a well-rounded skill set and managed to positioned himself #10 in the UFC division.
Wins over Douglas Silva de Andrade, Makwan Amirkhani, and Ricardo Ramos grabbed the attention of the audience, who witnessed his adaptability and extreme resilience. His recent win over Dan Ige portrays him as a top contender for the title. He will face Emmett on 5th April 2025 to clinch the contendership for the title fight.
Comparison of Recent Performances
Both showcased and impressed everyone with their skill and recent wins. Emmett dominated in his last match with his powerful punches whereas Murphy controlled the game flow with his adaptability and defensive skills. “The Miracle” is not as active as Emmett but will try to produce the best in their fight on 5, April at Las Vegas.
Fight Analysis and Predictions
Striking
Right from the start of the the first round Emmett would aim to execute his devastating knockout power punches and close the match as soon as possible. His aggressive approach stands him if he is able to connect with his combinations. However, Murphy’s approach is completely different with minimal risks. He tries to stretch the matches to the final round and with his precise counter-punching and footwork control turns the game in his favour.
Grappling/Wrestling
Emmett’s wrestling background helped him to display a strong foundation in grappling. With his grappling technique he converts the matches by taking effective takedowns and controls on ground opportunities. Murphy’s defensive grappling helps him to survive difficult positions in the ring and turn the games in his favour. He is known for his strong takedown defenses and control of the game flow as it flows to last rounds.
Cardio and Durability
Both fighters have shown exceptional cardio, but Murphy’s excellent conditioning and ability to avoid unnecessary damage can give him an advantage in the later rounds. Emmett takes the first initiative and with his durability pushes forward despite damage.
Key Factors and Prediction
“CC0” needs to close the distance and aim to finish the fight in early rounds. He should ensure to not allow counter-punches and land his signature powerful shots as early as possible. Whereas, Murphy should keep distancing himself from Emmett in early rounds and avoids his powerful punches. He can shift the match with his precise punches and counter-punching.
Early strikes and clean punches can shield a knockout victory for Emmett. Whereas avoiding those blows and extending the game until last rounds and with precise-attacking can turn momentum in Murphy’s favor.
Implications for the Featherweight Division
The outcome of this fight will significantly impact the featherweight rankings. Whoever wins the fight will not get a direct shot for the championship. Winner will likely get an opportunity to fight against a top 5 like Arnold Allen or Brian Ortega in the title eliminator fight. Only after that the winner could shield the opportunity for the championship.
REDDAVENI SAISNEHA 
Ashvinkumar Patil