Murphy used his high fight IQ and smart striking skills from range to pick Emmett apart for much of their five-round matchup at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.
And, while Emmett’s attempted blitzes into range to land big punches brought some success, the American was unable to cause too many issues for the Manchester man, who claimed a unanimous decision victory with scores of 48-47, 48-47, 49-46.
Speaking after his victory, Murphy, who has preferred to let his performances do the talking for him, stated his aim to earn a shot at the 145-pound title, and called for a shot at a top contender next.
“Obviously, I want that title shot, but give me anything in the top five or top three,” Murphy said.
“I’ll fight again in July. I just want to keep this train going. I want to stay active, have two more fights this year.
“I had to fight a certain fight, I had to fight my game.
“He’s a dangerous fighter. Everybody knows he has one-punch knockout power. I couldn’t make any mistakes.
“It was an intelligent performance. He didn’t catch me with anything clean. I was sound defensively, my wrestling was good, I dropped him with a left hand, nice elbows.”
Murphy started the weekend ranked 10th in the UFC’s featherweight division, but following his win over eighth-ranked Emmett, Murphy’s ranking spot should improve by a couple of places when the official list is updated on Monday.
And, speaking at the post-fight press conference, the Englishman had a target in mind for his next fight.
“If I got a finish, I was going to call for the title,” he said.
“Where’s Brian Ortega ranked? Diego Lopes went up to get a title shot after fighting him. So let’s go, Brian Ortega!”
UFC Vegas 105: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
- Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
- Lee Chang-Ho def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches and elbows) – Round 2, 3:48
- Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ode’ Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:54
- Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Dione Barbosa def. Diana Belbita via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 1, 4:13
- Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
- Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
