MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ESPN 65 main event between Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy.
Josh Emmett UFC on ESPN 65 preview
Staple info:
- Record: 19-4 MMA, 10-4 UFC
- Height: 5'6" Age: 40 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 70"
- Last fight: Knockout win over Bryce Mitchell (Dec. 16, 2023)
- Camp: Team Alpha Male (Calif.)
- Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
- Risk management: Good
Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA titles
+ NAIA collegiate wrestler (Menlo College)
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt
+ 7 KO victories
+ 2 submission wins
+ 7 first-round finishes
+ KO power
^ 12 knockdowns in last 11 appearances
+ Heavy crosses and hooks
^ Coming forward and off the counter
+ Strong inside the clinch
+ Good takedown ability
+ Solid transitional grappler
^ Scrambles well/positionally aware
+/- Coming off of a 15-month layoff
Lerone Murphy UFC on ESPN 65 preview
Staple info:
- 15-0-1 MMA, 7-0-1 UFC
- Height: 5'9" Age: 33 Weight: 145 lbs. Reach: 73.5"
- Last fight: Decision win over Dan Ige (Oct. 26, 2024)
- Camp: Manchester Top Team (England)
- Stance/striking style: Switch-stance/muay Thai
- Risk management: Good
Supplemental info:
+ Regional MMA title
+ Amateur MMA accolades
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt
+ 7 KO victories
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Solid feints and footwork
^ Strikes well from both stances
+ Hard calf kicks
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Works well off over-unders
+ Serviceable takedown ability
^ Favors attempts along the fence
+ Solid scrambling and transitional grappling
+ Good ground-and-pound
Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy point of interest: The cost of counters
The main event in Las Vegas ...
