The UFC returns to its APEX facility this Saturday with UFC Vegas 105. The main event features 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 re-establish himself in the 145-pound title conversation. Let`s examine some key matchups and predictions for this event.
Featured Fight Predictions
Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito
Pat Sabatini is considered an underdog against Joanderson Brito, but this fight is closer than the odds suggest. Brito is on a strong UFC run, showcasing striking and grappling skills. However, Sabatini`s strength lies in grappling. While Brito is a capable grappler, Sabatini`s wrestling and control on the ground should be decisive. If Sabatini can take the fight to the mat, he is likely to control the action and secure a victory.
Talita Alencar vs. Vanessa Demopoulos
In the opening fight of the evening, Talita Alencar faces Vanessa Demopoulos. This is a classic grappler versus grappler matchup, but Alencar has a distinct advantage on the ground. Alencar`s decorated BJJ background, including world championships, surpasses Demopoulos` grappling credentials. Demopoulos is not known for her wrestling, making it probable that the fight will go to the ground where Alencar is expected to dominate.
Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy – Decision Outcome Prediction
The main event between Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy has long odds, which might be overstated. Despite Emmett being 40 years old and returning after a year-long absence, he remains a dangerous fighter with significant knockout power. Murphy, while skilled, has shown vulnerability in the past. Instead of betting on Emmett to win outright, a safer approach might be to consider a bet on the fight going to a decision, specifically predicting an Emmett KO or Murphy decision win. This strategy offers a chance to win if Emmett secures a knockout, while pushing (getting your stake back) if Murphy wins by decision.
Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne
Luis Gurule is set to face Ode Osbourne in a flyweight main card bout. Despite initial assessments, Gurule appears to be a well-rounded and capable fighter. A former Furc FC champion and D-II college wrestler, Gurule has strong grappling and good cardio. His primary drawback is his age, 31. Osbourne is a known quantity, and Gurule`s wrestling is expected to be a key factor in controlling this fight.
Daniel Frunza vs. Rhys McKee
Daniel Frunza will compete against Rhys McKee in a preliminary welterweight fight. Frunza is a resilient striker reminiscent of Bryan Barberena. Rhys McKee has struggled in the UFC, with a 0-4 record across two stints. McKee is likely to engage in a striking battle, playing to Frunza`s strengths, which should lead to McKee`s fifth UFC loss.
