Josh Emmett is making his return to the Octagon this Saturday in a featherweight division that has drastically changed since his last fight.
It has 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 prominence, dominating the featherweight division and then announcing plans to move to the lightweight division. Topuria`s recent victory was against Emmett himself.
In short, despite being 40 years old, Emmett is closer to a UFC title opportunity than one might think.
That is, of course, assuming Lerone Murphy doesn`t defeat him in the main event of UFC Vegas 105. Murphy, currently ranked No. 13 in the featherweight division, is considered a dark horse with an undefeated record in the UFC. Another victory for Murphy would strongly position him for a future title shot.
The rest of the fight card features a mix of experienced fighters and newcomers from Contender Series, offering a range of interesting matchups to watch.
Main Card Predictions:
Lerone Murphy vs. Josh Emmett
Lerone Murphy is the favored fighter against Josh Emmett, and for good reason. He possesses strong offensive skills, solid defense, and is younger and fresher than Emmett. While Emmett has taken time off to rejuvenate, it remains to be seen if this will compensate for potential physical decline. However, Emmett`s knockout power remains a significant threat, as Murphy has been vulnerable to strikes in the past. Ultimately, Murphy is predicted to outwork Emmett over five rounds and win by decision.
Prediction: Murphy
Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito
This fight is considered to have upset potential. Joanderson Brito is a dynamic striker and competent grappler, but Pat Sabatini`s grappling expertise could be decisive. While Brito might challenge Sabatini on the ground, it`s predicted that Sabatini`s superior grappling will control the fight, leading to a decision victory.
Prediction: Sabatini
Chang Ho Lee vs. Cortavious Romious
Cortavious Romious missed weight, adding to the reasons to favor Chang Ho Lee. Lee, despite not being the most spectacular fighter, is gritty and excels in close-range combat. Romious, with his straightforward striking and takedown attempts, might struggle against Lee`s clinch fighting. Lee is expected to wear Romious down and win by decision.
Prediction: Lee
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Brad Tavares
Gerald Meerschaert is known for his submission skills, while Brad Tavares has never lost by submission. Despite this, Meerschaert securing a submission victory would be a major upset, although not impossible. However, it`s unlikely Meerschaert will effectively take Tavares down. The fight is expected to be a methodical striking battle, where Tavares` experience and technical striking should prevail.
Prediction: Tavares
Luis Gurule vs. Ode Osbourne
Luis Gurule, a recent Contender Series signee, is expected to win against the veteran Ode Osbourne. Gurule is a confident and unorthodox fighter with a diverse striking game. His unpredictable style could pose problems for Osbourne, and Gurule is predicted to win by decision in his UFC debut.
Prediction: Gurule
Robert Valentin vs. Torrez Finney
This is considered a favorable matchup for Torrez Finney, despite Robert Valentin`s potential to exploit weaknesses. Finney`s height and wrestling are expected to be too much for Valentin in this fight. However, Valentin`s submission skills could be a threat if Finney is careless on the ground. Ultimately, Finney is predicted to win, but potential upsets are acknowledged in future matchups against taller opponents.
Prediction: Finney
