Lerone Murphy, though not the audience favorite at UFC Vegas 105, outperformed Josh Emmett to win and remain undefeated.
Murphy delivered a technically superior performance, consistently outstriking Emmett and thwarting the former interim title contender`s offense. He effectively used leg kicks and a sharp jab throughout the fight.
The judges` scorecards read 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46, all in favor of Murphy, who secured a unanimous decision victory, improving his record to 16-0-1.
Following the announcement, Murphy was met with boos from the pro-Emmett crowd at the UFC APEX. He responded by reminding them of his win.
“Listen, it’s all right. 16-0, so what? Easy work,” Murphy retorted to the crowd. “I just had to execute my game plan. He’s a powerful puncher. I couldn`t afford mistakes. It was an intelligent and defensively sound performance. I even dropped him with a left. It was a quality performance.”
While Emmett sought a knockout blow, Murphy maintained distance, utilizing jabs and calf kicks. An accidental head clash caused a cut on Emmett`s face, but he continued to press forward.
Emmett surprised with a powerful takedown, lifting and throwing Murphy to the ground. However, Murphy quickly returned to his feet, minimizing the impact of the takedown.
Murphy continued to target Emmett`s lead leg, visibly frustrating him and limiting his movement. Murphy mixed up his attacks, targeting both low and high to keep Emmett off balance.
Murphy’s varied and rapid strikes became increasingly difficult for Emmett to anticipate as the fight progressed into the fourth round. Murphy also found success with body kicks.
Realizing he was behind, Emmett aggressively pursued a knockout, but Murphy consistently evaded or blocked Emmett`s power punches, causing Emmett to feel the fight slipping away.
In the final round, Emmett desperately searched for a fight-ending right hand, but faced the same challenges as before—failing to connect cleanly. Murphy continued with leg kicks and jabs, effectively countering until the final bell.
Murphy delivered a solid, though not spectacular, performance, maintaining his winning streak but without a finish since 2021. He continues his ascent in the rankings, adding a victory over Emmett to his record.
“Of course, I want a title shot, but I`ll take on anyone in the top 5 or 3,” Murphy stated about his future. “I want to keep this momentum going and stay active, aiming for two more fights this year.”
