Emmett vs Murphy Preview
Featherweight fireworks are about to erupt in Sin City as Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy step into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Vegas 105. Two men with vastly different paths to this crossroads now meet with everything to gain. From a stylistic thriller to the stakes of a potential title sneak-in, fight fans have more than enough reason to stay glued to this co-headliner.
Veteran Grit vs Undefeated Confidence
Josh Emmett is no stranger to bloody wars, gritty comebacks, or defying odds. The 39-year-old featherweight’s fists pack pure thunder, as demonstrated in his knockout highlight reel against names like Michael Johnson and Ricardo Lamas. He might be north of 35, but as Emmett has proven time and time again, age is merely a numberespecially when you’re built on forged resilience and Team Alpha Male grind.
Standing across from him is Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy, England’s undefeated featherweight breakout who carries a perfect professional record (13-0-1) like a crown and a chip the size of Manchester. After a nearly two-year layoff, Murphy silenced doubters with a crisp performance against Edson Barboza, earning a decision that had UFC matchmakers perk upand this main event slot is a testament to his surging stock. One’s carving out legacy; the other is building his. Welcome to a featherweight collision that matters.
Stylistic Chaos Incoming
This is not your average striker vs grappler affairthis one is guaranteed chaos. Emmett’s reputation as a power puncher goes beyond myth. The Californian blitzes forward behind caveman shots and isn’t shy about taking a shot to give two. He thrives in chaos. Murphy, however, approaches violence with finesse. Known for sharp counterstriking and impeccable distance management, the Brit slices opponents rather than bludgeoning them.
Murphy’s footwork and timing will be crucial if he wants to avoid Emmett’s trademark overhand righta shot that has flatlined even the most seasoned of foes. But Emmett’s pressure game is not just about knockout power. He’s a grinder with a Division I wrestling background buried under that heavy right hand, and could choose to test Murphy’s grappling as the fight progresses.
What’s Really at Stake?
Featherweight is quietly becoming one of the most stacked and competitive divisions in the UFC today. Alexander Volkanovski’s reign has finally come to an end, and Ilia Topuria’s title win has cracked open a new chapter. With that shake-up, every fight suddenly becomes more significant. Emmett, currently ranked No. 6, knows he’s still a win or two away from redemption after dropping two of his last three. A dominant victory here could plant him right back into the sharks’ pool atop the rankings.
For Murphy, this is the moment. This isn’t just about maintaining a zero in the loss columnit’s about proving he belongs. Beating a fighter of Emmett’s caliber would be a statement-making launch into the top 10 and likely fast-track him to headliner status moving forward.
Keys to Victory
- Josh Emmett: Pressure early, don’t chase counters, mix in wrestling to break Murphy’s timing.
- Lerone Murphy: Stay sharp off the back foot, exploit Emmett’s tendency to lunge, keep the fight at range.
Prediction? Expect Violence
Let’s be honestthis one has the makings of a Fight of the Night contender. Both men are allergic to boring fights. Emmett will try to turn Murphy into a brawl. Murphy, for his part, will look to prove he can not only hang with savages… but outthink them, outperform them, and evolve past them.
No matter how it plays out, UFC Vegas 105’s main attraction isn’t just about who winsit’s about who takes the next big leap in one of the most unforgiving divisions in MMA. Old lion versus rising wolf. Buckle up.
UFC Vegas 105 takes place this Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Don’t blinkthese guys don’t believe in slow starts.
Click here to view the full fight week preview from MMA Junkie.
