Despite not being a fan favorite, UFC fighter Lerone Murphy put on an impressive performance and defeated Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 105.
Emmett came into the opening round looking for an opening in Murphy’s defense, but he found no leeway. His opponent, on the other hand, kept at it with jabs and calf kicks that started to take a toll on Emmett. He soon suffered a cut on his face, but that did not deter him from coming after Murphy. Emmett attempted a body slam takedown, but Murphy quickly got back on his feet, dealing blows and kicks that continued to wear Emmett down.
The Brit kept at it with unpredictable jabs and punches that kept Emmett guessing. Murphy continued to chip away at Emmett’s defenses, while Emmett tried to score another takedown or a knockout. However, Murphy managed to evade these attempts, responding with body kicks and leg kicks that led to a unanimous decision victory for him.
“Listen, it’s all right. 16-0, what? Easy work,” Murphy said, shouting back at the audience. “I just have to fight my game. He’s got one-punch knockout power. I couldn’t make any mistakes. Intelligent performance. I was sound defensively. I dropped him with a left hand. It was a quality performance.”
Following his victory, Murphy issued a callout to Brian Ortega as the next opponent he would like to face in the cage.
“To be honest, if I got a finish, I would’ve been calling for the title. But it was still a clinical performance, still a shutout, a masterclass,” Murphy said. “Anybody in that top three, top four. Where’s Brian Ortega? I think that’s a good fight. I think he’s No. 3, and Diego Lopes went up to get a title shot after beating him. So, let’s go, Brian Ortega.”
