Josh Emmett is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday in a featherweight division that has significantly changed since his last fight 16 months ago. After his impressive knockout victory over Bryce Mitchell, Emmett remained a key player in the division. However, Ilia Topuria has since risen to prominence, claiming the featherweight title with dominant wins and expressing interest in moving to the lightweight division.
For Emmett, at 40 years old, a title shot might be closer than it appears, especially if he can overcome Lerone Murphy in the main event of UFC Vegas 105. Murphy, currently ranked No. 13 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings (Emmett is No. 10), is undefeated in the UFC with eight appearances and is building a strong record. A victory over Emmett could solidify Murphy`s claim for a future title opportunity.
The UFC Vegas 105 card features a mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming fighters from Contender Series, promising an exciting night of fights.
Main Event Prediction: Lerone Murphy vs. Josh Emmett
Lerone Murphy is the favorite against Josh Emmett, and for good reason. Murphy is strong offensively, defensively sound, and younger than Emmett. At seven years younger, Murphy has several advantages heading into this matchup.
While Emmett speaks positively about his time off to recover, time away from the sport can be detrimental. It remains to be seen if Emmett`s rest will compensate for potential athletic decline, even though his knockout power remains a significant threat.
Murphy`s chin has been tested before, which is a concern when facing someone with Emmett`s power. However, Murphy is expected to use his footwork and outstrike Emmett over five rounds, likely winning by decision.
Co-Main Event Prediction: Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito
This fight has the potential for an upset. Joanderson Brito, a dynamic striker and capable grappler, is looking to rebound from a close split decision loss. Pat Sabatini, known for his grappling, will likely engage Brito head-on, but potentially in a grappling contest where Sabatini excels.
Brito has shown willingness to grapple, which could be risky against Sabatini. Sabatini`s strength is on the ground, and even if Brito avoids submissions or major damage, Sabatini could control him to a decision victory. While Brito could win with a knockout, Sabatini is favored to take the fight to the ground and secure a decision win.
Chang Ho Lee vs. Cortavious Romious Prediction
Cortavious Romious missed weight, which favors Chang Ho Lee. Lee, despite not being dominant in his Road to UFC finals win, displayed toughness that will be valuable against bantamweights in the lower ranks. Winning scrappily is a valuable skill.
Lee`s clinch fighting will be effective against Romious, who relies on quick strikes and takedowns without much setup. This should lead to cage wrestling where Lee can wear down Romious. As the fight progresses, Lee`s persistence is expected to turn the tide in his favor, leading to a victory by outlasting Romious.
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares Prediction
Brad Tavares has never lost by submission, while Gerald Meerschaert has won 11 UFC fights by submission and never by decision. Despite this, an upset submission win for Meerschaert against Tavares is still unlikely but not impossible.
Tavares has been fighting for a long time, and anyone can get caught eventually. However, Meerschaert is unlikely to take Tavares down effectively, even with some recent weaknesses in Tavares` wrestling defense. This is expected to be a typical middleweight fight: technical striking at a measured pace.
Tavares is known for excelling in these kinds of fights and is predicted to win.
Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne Prediction
Ode Osbourne is a skilled veteran but may lack the extra element to stand out. Recent Contender Series signee Luis Gurule is expected to win, although it will be a challenging fight.
Gurule displays confidence, moves well, and looks for counter-attacking opportunities. He`s also willing to fight in close quarters, which will test Osbourne. Gurule`s unorthodox style could disrupt Osbourne`s rhythm. It will be interesting to see how Osbourne reacts if he doesn`t find early success.
Gurule is seen as a promising addition to the flyweight division with potential for top 20 ranking, although he could also end up in a similar position as Osbourne in the future. Gurule is predicted to win by decision in his UFC debut.
Robert Valentin vs. Torrez Finney Prediction
This is a good matchup for Torrez Finney after earning a UFC contract through Contender Series. However, Robert Valentin could exploit some weaknesses in Finney`s game.
A significant factor is the height difference, with Finney being six inches taller than Valentin. Valentin has dealt with this before but is always at risk when closing the distance. When Torrez secures takedowns, he can dominate from top position. The concern for Torrez is his submission defense against Valentin, who is skilled in submissions. Valentin could pose a threat if Torrez takes risks on the ground.
Despite the potential for an upset, Finney`s wrestling and strength are likely too much for Valentin in this fight. However, eventually, taller middleweights might present a tougher challenge for Torrez. Finney is predicted to win.
