Josh Emmett is back in the featherweight division after a significant time away. His last fight was a knockout victory against Bryce Mitchell 16 months ago, which kept him in the conversation among top contenders. Since then, Ilia Topuria has become the champion and is now considering moving to the lightweight division.
For Emmett, who is 40, a title shot might be closer than it appears, especially if he wins against Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC Vegas 105. Murphy, ranked No. 13, is undefeated in the UFC and has been steadily improving. A win here would strongly argue for his title contention, even if he lacks mainstream popularity.
The UFC Vegas 105 card includes a mix of experienced fighters and newer talents from Contender Series. Let`s look at the predictions for the main card.
Lerone Murphy is expected to defeat Josh Emmett. He is younger, less worn down, and has a strong offensive game. While Emmett has knockout power, Murphy is likely to use his speed and volume to win a decision victory.
Prediction: Murphy
Joanderson Brito, known for his striking and developing ground game, faces Pat Sabatini. Sabatini is a strong grappler and will likely try to take the fight to the ground. While Brito could win with strikes, Sabatini`s grappling advantage suggests he will control the fight and win by decision.
Prediction: Sabatini
Chang Ho Lee is favored against Cortavious Romious, who missed weight. Lee is known for his toughness and clinch fighting. Romious relies on quick strikes and takedowns, but Lee`s grit and pressure in the clinch should lead him to a victory as the fight goes on.
Prediction: Lee
Gerald Meerschaert, a submission specialist, faces Brad Tavares, who is rarely submitted. While Meerschaert has many submission wins, Tavares is a seasoned veteran who excels in methodical striking fights. Tavares is expected to win by decision in a technical striking battle.
Prediction: Tavares
Luis Gurule, a newcomer from Contender Series, is predicted to defeat Ode Osbourne. Gurule is known for his unorthodox movement and counter-striking. Osbourne is a well-rounded veteran, but Gurule`s style and pressure are expected to give him a decision victory in his UFC debut.
Prediction: Gurule
Torrez Finney, who earned his UFC contract through Contender Series, faces Robert Valentin. Finney is taller and a strong wrestler. While Valentin has submission skills, Finney`s wrestling and strength are predicted to be too much for Valentin to handle, leading to a Finney victory.
Prediction: Finney
Preliminary Card Results:
Dione Barbosa defeated Diana Belbita
Rhys McKee defeated Daniel Frunza
Loma Lookboonmee defeated Istela Nunes
Victor Henry defeated Pedro Falcao
Martin Buday defeated Uran Satybaldiev
Talita Alencar defeated Vanessa Demopoulos
