Lerone Murphy is adamant that defeating Josh Emmett will secure his chance to compete for the UFC featherweight championship.
With an impressive streak of seven consecutive wins, the fighter from Manchester has solidified his position as a top contender in the competitive 145-pound division.
Murphy`s upcoming challenge is against Josh Emmett, a seasoned fighter in the division known for his knockout power. They will headline UFC Vegas 105.
He believes that mirroring Ilia Topuria`s path to a title shot by defeating former interim title challenger Emmett would be the most significant achievement in his undefeated career.
In an exclusive interview, Murphy told that he feels he has earned a shot at becoming the fourth UK UFC champion. He stated, “They have to give me a title shot.”
He questioned, “Who else has accomplished what I have in this division? Everyone else has already had their opportunity, haven`t they?”
Murphy highlights that fighters like Yair Rodriguez have had multiple title shots. He believes his record will be 16-0-1 if he beats Josh Emmett, strengthening his claim for a title fight.
Murphy sees the increased level of competition and his second main event appearance in three fights as indicators that the UFC is preparing him for a title shot.
He mentioned, “I feel I`m in my prime, and now is the ideal moment for this progression.”
He added, “The five-round main event fights serve as preparation for a title fight.”
Murphy acknowledges that some fighters have received title shots directly from three-round fights, but he is confident that his current trajectory is specifically designed to lead him to a title opportunity.
Murphy is clearly enthusiastic about the prospect of a title shot if he secures a decisive victory over Emmett.
However, he expressed some disappointment regarding the fight`s location.
“I requested UFC London,” he revealed. “I was preparing for London, but the UFC stated that Josh Emmett preferred not to fight in London. So, we are here in Vegas.”
Emmett, aged 40, is recognized as the most powerful striker Murphy has faced. However, Murphy is not overly concerned about Emmett`s punching power.
“We are aware of his power,” Murphy commented. “But I have been facing dangerous opponents consecutively, so it is what it is.”
He added, “In four-ounce gloves, everyone possesses significant striking power anyway.”
Despite acknowledging Emmett`s power, Murphy insists that his focus will remain solely on the fight itself, not on the potential title shot that could follow.
He stated, “Once you are in the cage, you realize that only the present moment truly matters.”
“I understand the magnitude of this fight, Josh`s capabilities, and what I need to do to win.”
“Therefore, it`s impossible to overlook the challenge at hand.”
Similar to Murphy, a significant victory at the Apex could propel Emmett into title contention.
However, Murphy intends to thwart Emmett`s title aspirations by using his own aggressive style against him.
“I anticipate he will try to pressure me with intense wrestling,” Murphy predicted.
“But my strategy is to maintain distance, utilize my striking range, and hopefully land a decisive blow.”
