While fight fans were recently all but begging for a Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell rematch (if you don’t know why, you should), it appears the UFC had other plans.
Featherweight Emmett is set to return against Lerone Murphy this May instead, headlining UFC Vegas 105 on April 5, 2025.
MMA Fighting was first to report news of the match-up.
Josh Emmett (19-4) has not competed since his thunderous December 2023 knockout of Mitchell at UFC 296. At 39, the Team Alpha Male standout has precious little time left at the top of the sport, but remains ranked #8 in the promotion’s official featherweight rankings.
Murphy (15-0-1), who has yet to taste defeat in his professional career, sits in the #11 spot. He’s won his last seven fights in the UFC octagon, following a draw in his promotional debut against Zubaira Tukhugov. Most recently, the Brit earned a decision victory over Dan Ige; prior to that, he bested Edson Barboza, also on the scorecards.
Set for the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, UFC Vegas 105 currently features the following reported match-ups:
- Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy
- Rhys McKee vs. Daniel Frunza
- Ode’ Osbourne vs. Luis Gurule
- Diana Belbiţă vs. Dione Barbosa
- Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Talita Alencar
- Loma Lookboonmee vs. Ariane Carnelossi
- Robert Valentin vs. Torrez Finney
- Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Martin Buday
- Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito
- Cortavious Romious vs. Lee Chang-ho
