Emmett v Murphy top picks & predictions | UFC Fight Night

Top-10 featherweights Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy will throw down at the UFC Apex this Saturday night as they jostle for position in their dynamic division. The matchup should present a compelling clash of styles, and while Murphy is favored with leading UFC bookies, Emmett’s knockout striking can never be discounted. Read on for BettingPlanet’s in-depth fight preview and top betting picks.

Emmett v Murphy main event preview

Josh Emmett

• MMA Record 19-4-0
• Age 40
• Height 5’6”
• Weight 145lbs
• Reach 70”
• Nationality USA

Lerone Murphy

• MMA Record 15-0-1
• Age 33
• Height 5’10”
• Weight 145lbs
• Reach 73”
• Nationality England

Josh Emmett (19-4-0) has not competed in the UFC since December 2023, when he ended a two-fight slide with a first-round knockout of Bryce Mitchell. Emmett is a stand-and-trade type who throws a devastating right hand that has yielded seven knockouts throughout his career. He can appear less effective when required to generate complex gameplans in real time, however, and may be a little rusty during the opening exchanges given his long layoff.

Emmett fought for the interim featherweight belt in 2023 but came up short against Yair Rodriguez, and time might be running out for another title challenge. His fight style relies on brute strength and fast reflexes — traits that can fade with time. UFC betting odds give him little chance against a younger talent, but Emmett is bound to have moments where he appears dangerous.

Lerone Murphy (15-0-1) has fought eight times in the UFC, returning seven wins and one draw. The 33-year-old has climbed into the upper flyweight rankings and appears poised to present a title challenge if he can maintain his momentum. The Brit has won his last four bouts via decision while wearing some heavy shots along the way, so he should be confident that his chin remains intact.

Murphy will enjoy height and reach advantages and should be content to work from long range during the early rounds. We can expect the betting favorite to land twice as many significant strikes, and he may be presented with finishing opportunities in the fourth and fifth stanzas. That said, recent history would suggest he will be content to win the volume war, stay clear of danger, and earn another decision win.

Emmett v Murphy UFC Fight Night predictions

As the younger, fitter, and more seasoned athlete, this looks to be a favorable matchup for Murphy. The danger will be any inclination to beat Emmett at his own game, which involves planting the feet and swinging until one man is staring at the ceiling. If he is smart enough to avoid that trap, it should be a lopsided decision win for the Englishman.

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