UFC returns to the intimate Apex facility this Saturday for UFC Vegas 105, featuring a high-stakes featherweight showdown between veteran knockout artist Josh Emmett and undefeated prospect Lerone Murphy. Taking place in Las Vegas, this event showcases fighters at critical junctures in their careers, with implications for the increasingly competitive featherweight division.
How to Watch
Start Times:
- United States: Prelims 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT, Main Card 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
- United Kingdom: Prelims 11:00 PM BST, Main Card 2:00 AM BST (Sunday)
Broadcast Details:
- United States: ESPN+
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports
- International: UFC Fight Pass
Main Event Spotlight: Emmett vs. Murphy
The card is headlined by a compelling clash of styles, as power-punching veteran Josh Emmett (19-4) faces the technical precision of undefeated Lerone Murphy (15-0-1) in a five-round featherweight bout.
Emmett enters the Octagon with significant momentum after securing a first-round knockout over Bryce Mitchell in December 2023. The 40-year-old Team Alpha Male standout boasts the most knockdowns in featherweight history (12) and remains one of the division’s most dangerous power punchers. After experiencing setbacks against elite competition in Ilia Topuria and Yair Rodriguez, Emmett aims to prove he still belongs among the division’s top contenders.
Standing across from him is the unbeaten Murphy, who has steadily built his reputation with a seven-fight winning streak, most recently defeating Dan Ige by unanimous decision in October 2024. The Manchester-based fighter brings a versatile switch-stance striking approach with solid takedown defense. Murphy’s technical precision and defensive awareness present a significant challenge to Emmett’s aggressive power-punching style.
The smaller Octagon at the UFC Apex could be a decisive factor, potentially limiting Murphy’s movement and playing into Emmett’s power-punching game. For Emmett, a victory could reignite his title aspirations, while Murphy looks to validate his undefeated record against his most accomplished opponent to date.
Complete Fight Card
Main Card (9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT)
- Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy (Featherweight)
- Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito (Featherweight)
- Cortavious Romious vs. Chang Ho Lee (Bantamweight)
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Martin Buday (Heavyweight)
- Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
- Torrez Finney vs. Robert Valentin (Middleweight)
Preliminary Card (6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT)
- Ode Osbourne vs. Luis Gurule (Flyweight)
- Davey Grant vs. Daniel Santos (Bantamweight)
- Diana Belbiță vs. Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight)
- Rhys McKee vs. Daniel Frunza (Welterweight)
- Loma Lookboonmee vs. Istela Nunes (Women’s Strawweight)
- Victor Henry vs. Pedro Falcao (Bantamweight)
- Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Talita Alencar (Women’s Strawweight)
Featured Bouts
Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito
This featherweight co-main event pits the grappling-oriented Sabatini against the aggressive Brito in what could determine a future contender in the division. Sabatini brings elite submission skills, while Brito’s explosive power and developing ground game make this an intriguing clash of styles.
Torrez Finney vs. Robert Valentin
Finney makes his anticipated UFC debut after impressive performances on Dana White’s Contender Series. His dominant wrestling base will be tested against Valentin in a middleweight matchup that has fans excited to see if Finney can live up to the hype.
Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Two of the UFC’s most experienced middleweights collide as the durable Tavares faces submission specialist Meerschaert. With over 50 combined UFC appearances between them, this promises to be a tactically fascinating bout between battle-tested veterans.
UFC Vegas 105 offers an intriguing mix of established veterans and rising prospects, with the featherweight division taking center stage. Stay tuned to MMA News for our coverage of this action-packed card live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
