UFC returns to its APEX facility this Saturday with UFC Vegas 105. The main event showcases a compelling featherweight clash between top contenders Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy. This fight will determine if Murphy can solidify his contender status or if Emmett can climb back into title contention in the 145-pound division. Let`s analyze the key matchups and potential betting opportunities for this event.
Featured Fight Picks
Pat Sabatini (+190) vs. Joanderson Brito
The co-main event features Pat Sabatini against Joanderson Brito. Brito is considered a strong favorite, but Sabatini at +190 offers significant value. While Brito is on a good UFC run, Sabatini presents a classic striker vs. grappler dynamic. Brito is capable on the ground, but Sabatini`s superior grappling skills should be decisive if the fight goes to the mat. Sabatini`s wrestling ability makes him likely to control the ground exchanges and secure a victory.
Talita Alencar (-114) vs. Vanessa Demopoulos
Opening the event is a strawweight bout between Talita Alencar and Vanessa Demopoulos. This fight is straightforward: both are primarily grapplers, but Alencar is the more accomplished one. Alencar`s decorated BJJ background surpasses Demopoulos`s grappling. Furthermore, Demopoulos isn`t a strong wrestler, making it probable that the fight will go to the ground where Alencar has a clear advantage.
Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy – Emmett by KO or Decision (+140)
The main event between Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy has intriguing betting odds. Despite Emmett`s age (40) and recent inactivity, he remains a dangerous opponent, and Murphy is not invincible. Murphy has shown vulnerability to strikes in the past, and Emmett possesses significant knockout power in the featherweight division.
Instead of betting on Emmett to win outright at longer odds, a safer approach is to bet on “Emmett Decision No Bet” at +140. This bet pays out if Emmett wins by KO and refunds if the fight goes to a decision (regardless of who wins the decision). Essentially, it`s a bet on Emmett winning by knockout, with a push if the fight is decided by judges.
Luis Gurule (-265) vs. Ode Osbourne
Luis Gurule faces Ode Osbourne in a flyweight main card fight. While initially not highly rated coming from Contender Series, Gurule deserves more recognition. He is a former Furc FC champion, a D-II wrestler, and appears ready for the UFC level. Gurule`s strong grappling and cardio are key assets, with his age (31) being the only minor concern. Osbourne is a known quantity, and Gurule is expected to control the fight using his wrestling.
Daniel Frunza (-158) vs. Rhys McKee
Daniel Frunza takes on Rhys McKee in a welterweight preliminary fight where Frunza is favored. Frunza is a tough striker with a style reminiscent of Bryan Barberena. Rhys McKee, on the other hand, has struggled in the UFC, with a 0-4 record across two stints. McKee is likely to engage Frunza in a striking battle, which plays to Frunza`s strengths and toughness. McKee is predicted to extend his UFC losing streak to 0-5.
Wesley Dunham