The UFC is back at the Apex for another Saturday night showdown, and all eyes are on the featherweight main event. Undefeated British striker Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy looks to take the biggest step of his career as he faces longtime contender and knockout artist Josh Emmett.
It’s youth vs. experience, precision vs. power, and a potential shakeup in the 145-pound rankings hanging in the balance. With high-stakes matchups scattered throughout the card, UFC Vegas 105 is shaping up to be a sleeper hit for fight fans.
Parlay of the Night
I’m playing a parlay on Lerone Murphy and Torrez Finney at -128, and I like both to get their hands raised at UFC Vegas 105. Murphy is an undefeated, technical striker with excellent footwork and fight IQ, facing a battle-worn Josh Emmett, who’s taken a lot of damage in recent fights.
Outside of his insane KO over Bryce Mitchell, he has not found a KO since July of 2019. If Murphy can manage the range and avoid Emmett’s power shots, he should be able to outstrike him over three rounds.
As for Finney, he’s a powerful wrestler with explosive takedowns and top control, going up against Robert Valentine, who’s making his UFC debut on short notice and has struggled against strong grapplers. Finney’s pressure and physicality should be the difference. Solid value on two fighters with clear paths to victory.
A Dog Finally Gets His Hand Raised!
I’m siding with Rhys McKee (+128) in his matchup against UFC newcomer Daniel Frunza. McKee has faced far tougher competition throughout his career and enters this fight with a significant experience advantage, both in the UFC and on the regional scene. McKee is 0-45 in his UFC career, but we have been fading these newcomers and undefeated prospects all season with success!
While Frunza brings a flashy striking style and finishing ability, he’s largely untested at this level and may struggle with McKee’s range, composure, and technical striking. If McKee can stay disciplined and avoid getting drawn into a brawl, he has the tools to outpoint Frunza over three rounds or potentially earn a late stoppage.
Demopoulos To Get Back in W Column
I’m taking a shot on underdog Vanessa Demopoulos in her matchup against Talita Alencar. While Alencar brings power and aggression, she’s still raw and untested at the UFC level. Demopoulos has the experience edge, a slick ground game, and the kind of grit that can frustrate an overaggressive opponent.
Vanessa has good footwork and can bring high volume striking. If she can weather the early storm and drag this fight into deeper waters, I like her chances to pull off the upset—especially if she can turn it into a grappling-heavy affair, where she has 4 submission wins.
Underdog Slip!
For my Underdog Fantasy slip, I’m taking Torrez Finney to find a finish and Lerone Murphy vs. Josh Emmett to go higher than 12.5 minutes. Finney’s an explosive wrestler with heavy ground-and-pound, and against a short-notice opponent like Valentine, I like his chances to get him out of there inside the distance—especially if he gets early control on the mat.
On the other side, Murphy vs. Emmett feels like a technical, drawn-out battle. Murphy’s patient striking and Emmett’s toughness make it likely this one hits the third round, making the over 12.5 fight time a strong value play.
Best Bets:
Parlay: Win 1% Lerone Murphy ML + Torrez Finney ML (-128) MGM
1% Rhys Mckee ML (+128) FanDuel
Win 1% Vanessa Demopoulos (-105) Caesars
Underdog Slip (2.04x)
Torrez Finney Higher 0.5 Finishes
Lerone Murphy Higher 12.5 Fight Time (Mins)
