UFC Vegas 105 Predictions: Emmett vs. Murphy and More

Josh Emmett is back in action this Saturday in a featherweight division that has dramatically changed since his last fight.

It`s been over a year since Emmett`s impressive knockout victory against Bryce Mitchell, a win that solidified his position as a top contender. Since then, Ilia Topuria has risen to the top, dominating the featherweight division and now setting his sights on the lightweight title after wins over Volkanovski and Holloway. Topuria`s move creates opportunity in the 145-pound ranks.

At 40 years old, a title shot might be closer for Emmett than it initially appears.

However, that depends on his upcoming fight against Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC Vegas 105. Murphy, currently ranked No. 13 in the featherweight division, is undefeated in the UFC and has been steadily climbing the ranks with quality wins. While he may not be a big name yet, a victory over Emmett would make a strong case for his title contention.

The rest of the UFC Vegas 105 fight card features a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers from the Contender Series, offering a weekend of intriguing matchups and potential breakthroughs.

Lerone Murphy enters the main event as the favorite against Josh Emmett, and for good reason. He possesses a strong offensive game, solid defense, and is the younger fighter. Emmett, while taking time off to rejuvenate, faces the challenge of potential athletic decline. Despite Emmett`s undeniable knockout power, Murphy`s youth and well-rounded skillset give him an edge.

While Emmett`s power is always a threat, Murphy is expected to utilize his footwork and outwork Emmett over five rounds to secure a decision victory.

Prediction: Murphy

The matchup between Joanderson Brito and Pat Sabatini presents upset potential. Brito is a dynamic striker with developing ground skills, while Sabatini is a strong grappler. This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler contest.

While Brito might be tempted to test Sabatini`s grappling, it could be a risky strategy. Sabatini`s strength lies on the ground, and he can control opponents and secure decision wins. Expect Sabatini to take the fight to the mat and control Brito.

Prediction: Sabatini

Cortavious Romious missed weight, adding another layer to his fight against Chang Ho Lee. Lee, while not flashy, showed toughness and grit in his Road to UFC finals win, which will be valuable against lower-tier bantamweights. Winning scrappy fights is a valuable skill.

Lee`s clinch work should be effective against Romious, who relies on quick strikes and takedowns without much setup. As the fight progresses, Lee`s pressure and durability should wear Romious down, leading to a Lee victory.

Prediction: Lee

Gerald Meerschaert`s path to victory is clear: submission. Brad Tavares, known for not being submitted, faces a high submission threat. 11 of Meerschaert`s UFC wins are by submission, and he`s seeking his 30th submission victory overall.

While an upset submission win for Meerschaert is possible, Tavares` experience and solid striking defense should prevail. This is likely to be a methodical striking battle where Tavares` technical skills will lead him to a decision win.

Prediction: Tavares

Ode Osbourne, a well-rounded veteran, faces newcomer Luis Gurule. Gurule, with swagger and unorthodox movement, looks to make an impact in his UFC debut. He has a counter-striking style and isn`t afraid to engage in close-quarters fighting.

Gurule`s unpredictable style could pose problems for Osbourne. Expect Gurule to use movement and pressure to disrupt Osbourne`s rhythm and secure a decision victory in his debut.

Prediction: Gurule

Torrez Finney, after earning a UFC contract through the Contender Series, faces Robert Valentin. Finney has a significant height advantage, but Valentin can exploit potential weaknesses in Finney`s game.

Finney`s height and wrestling are strengths, but his submission defense could be tested by Valentin. While Valentin might pose a threat on the ground, Finney`s wrestling and strength are expected to be enough to secure a victory, though potential upsets loom in the future against taller middleweights.

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