Josh Emmett will return from a 15-month layoff to face rising contender Lerone Murphy in the featherweight main event at UFC Fight Night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Emmett, who is 40 years old, last fought in December 2023, and produced one of the most devastating finishes in his career, beating Bryce Mitchell by first-round knockout. However, before that win, Emmett was on a two-fight losing streak.
Murphy has yet to suffer a loss in his professional career, having won seven consecutive fights, including his last three by unanimous decision. He faces unranked fighters Emmett and former Bellator welterweight champion Jason Jackson in the PFL event that precedes this UFC fight card.
Veteran MMA coach and ESPN analyst Din Thomas believes Emmett’s fight-altering power will be key to winning the fight, but worries about his team’s claim that he is feeling better than ever. Meanwhile, Thomas thinks Murphy has great tools at his disposal, including speed, versatility, and the ability to get out of tough situations.
The smaller Octagon at the UFC Apex may favor Emmett due to its limitations on Murphy’s movement. However, Thomas also notes that the size difference could limit Emmett himself.
ESPN betting expert Ian Parker predicts Murphy will win by decision, while also picking Emmett to win. Parker thinks Emmett has five-round experience and devastating knockout power, making him a tough test for anyone trying to get to the top of the featherweight division.
Parker’s best bets on the rest of the UFC card include Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito, Diana Belbita vs. Dione Barbosa, Jason Jackson vs. Andrey Koreshkov, Jeremy Kennedy vs. Movlid Khaybulaev, and Nathan Kelly vs. Tae Kyun Kim.
The PFL event will take place earlier in the day, with welterweights & featherweights competing in the First Round.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/44508080/ufc-fight-night-pfl-first-round-expert-picks-best-bets-josh-emmett-vs-lerone-murphy