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Lerone Murphy extended his undefeated streak with a calculated and composed performance against veteran contender Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 105, earning a unanimous decision victory and further solidifying his position in the featherweight division.
Despite facing a crowd that was heavily in favor of Emmett, Murphy stuck to his game plan from start to finish. The British fighter picked apart Emmett with surgical precision, using a relentless jab and a steady barrage of calf kicks to keep his opponent at bay. Emmett, known for his one-punch knockout power, struggled to mount any consistent offense throughout the five-round contest.
The judges scored the bout 48-47, 48-47, and 49-46 — all for Murphy — who now moves to 16-0-1 in his professional career. However, the announcement of the decision was met with a chorus of boos from the pro-Emmett crowd inside the UFC APEX, prompting a passionate response from the victor.
“Listen, it’s all right. 16-0, what? Easy work,” Murphy shouted at the audience. “I just have to fight my game. He’s got one punch knockout power. I couldn’t make any mistakes. Intelligent performance. I was sound defensively. I dropped him with a left hand. It was a quality performance.”
Emmett tried to change the tide of the fight with a massive takedown midway through the bout, lifting Murphy and slamming him to the canvas. Yet the momentum quickly shifted back to Murphy, who escaped and resumed his disciplined approach.
Murphy’s speed, head movement, and variety of strikes proved too elusive for Emmett. By the championship rounds, the Brit’s control was evident — body kicks echoed across the cage while Emmett swung and missed with increasingly desperate punches.
Although he hasn't finished a fight since 2021, Murphy’s clean execution and fight IQ continue to impress. Looking ahead, he’s not settling for anything less than the elite.
“Obviously, I want a title but give me anybody in the top 5 or the top 3,” Murphy declared. “I want to keep this train going. I want to stay active. Another two fights this year.”