“Can the old lion still roar?” That is the big question as Josh Emmett takes the Octagon against Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC Vegas 105. It’s a classic showdown between an aging behemoth and a budding up-and-comer, with both fighters looking to establish themselves as top contenders. Emmett, a well-known knockout artist, wants to show that expertise and experience are still effective. Meanwhile, Murphy is looking to establish his position among the elite by eliminating a battle-tested veteran.
Emmett, 40, is still one of the most dangerous punchers in the featherweight division, but time is not on his side. His most recent bout resulted in a knockout victory over Bryce Mitchell, but ‘CC0’ had previously lost two consecutive fights, suggesting that he was slowing down. Murphy, on the other hand, has never been defeated in his professional career and comes into this bout full of confidence. The English fighter’s technical accuracy has earned him a reputation as a serious menace to anyone who stands in his way. So, let’s look at the numbers to see who has the advantage in this matchup.
UFC Vegas 105: Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy stats
On paper, these two have quite different styles, and the statistics reflect that. Emmett (19-4-0) is a genuine knockout artist, having won seven of his fights by KO or TKO. However, his striking accuracy is low at 36%, indicating that ‘CC0’ depends on power rather than precision. He also takes more damage than he gives, receiving 4.61 strikes each minute while landing only 4.04. This type of trade-off is risky against a disciplined striker like Murphy.
Murphy (15-0-1) competes with a considerably more calculated style. ‘The Miracle’ averages 4.80 meaningful strikes per minute while absorbing only 2.67, making him significantly more defensively solid than Emmett. His reach advantage (73 inches versus Emmett’s 70) allows him to maintain distance and keep his opponents at bay. Unlike Emmett, who rarely attempts takedowns anymore, ‘The Miracle’ has a strong wrestling game, averaging 1.78 takedowns every 15 minutes. While both men fight in an Orthodox posture, Murphy’s striking efficiency and footwork may be the most important aspects in determining the outcome of this fight.
Emmett vs. Murphy breakdown and prediction
This bout comes down to whether Josh Emmett can deliver his devastating knockout punch before Murphy tears him apart. ‘CC0’ has proved time and again that he only requires one clean shot to end a fight. However, as he gets older, his speed and reflexes inevitably decline, making it difficult for him to close the gap. Against a fighter as elusive as Murphy, this might be disastrous.
Lerone Murphy, on the other hand, thrives on staying within range and aggravating his opponents with exquisite accuracy. His previous fight against Edson Barboza was a masterclass in striking control, and he is likely to try to recreate that strategy. If he avoids Emmett’s wild haymakers and keeps to his focused strategy, ‘The Miracle’ should be able to dominate over five rounds. However, if he is reckless and leaves an opening, Josh Emmett has the ability to terminate the night prematurely.
In terms of prediction, it appears that Lerone Murphy will win by decision or maybe due to a late stoppage. Josh Emmett’s power will always be important, but at this point in his career, he may struggle to land cleanly against a more skilled and defensively aware opponent. Will Murphy prove he belongs in the division’s top tier, or will ‘CC0’ remind everyone why he’s still a force to be reckoned with? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
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