Emmett vs. Murphy: Featherweight War Set for UFC APEX on April 5

Get ready, fight fans — a big featherweight battle is coming your way on April 5. Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy will step into the Octagon to headline UFC Fight Night at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas. It’s a showdown that’s got fans excited — and for good reason.

This fight isn’t just about two ranked fighters. It’s about a comeback, an unbeaten streak, and two men trying to climb their way to the top.

Josh Emmett Is Back and Still Dangerous

If you’ve followed Josh Emmett’s career, you know he’s a tough, powerful fighter who never gives up. He’s 39 now, but don’t let that fool you — his last fight was one of the most talked-about knockouts of 2023. He knocked out Bryce Mitchell in such a wild way that people called it a possible "Knockout of the Year."

Before that, things weren’t going so well for him. He lost two fights in a row — first to Yair Rodriguez by submission, then to Ilia Topuria by decision. Topuria, by the way, is now the featherweight champion, so Emmett has definitely been facing top talent.

But after his big win in December, Emmett is looking sharp and motivated. He wants to prove that he still belongs with the best in the world.

Lerone Murphy: The Undefeated Fighter on the Rise

On the other side of the cage, you’ve got Lerone Murphy — a fighter who’s never lost. That’s right. He’s 15-0-1 as a pro, and 7-0-1 in the UFC. The only thing that kept him from being perfect was a draw years ago, and even that fight was super close.

Murphy doesn’t fight like a wild brawler. He’s smart, quick, and careful. In his last fight, he beat Dan Ige — a veteran who’s always tough — by decision. It wasn’t flashy, but it showed how good Murphy is at sticking to a game plan.

This is a big moment for Murphy. A win here could push him into the top 10 and maybe even get him close to a title shot.

How They Match Up: Power vs. Patience

Let’s take a quick look at both fighters side by side:

This is a classic fight of experience vs. momentum. Emmett has been around and seen it all. Murphy is newer but hasn’t lost a single fight. One has big power in his hands. The other picks you apart little by little.

For fans looking to catch the action online, here's where you can WATCH FREE UFC STREAMS LIVE ON FOOTYBITE.

Why This Fight Matters

This fight could shake things up in the featherweight division. Right now, Ilia Topuria holds the belt, and the rest of the division is packed with hungry contenders.

If Emmett wins, he’s right back in the title conversation. A strong finish could even earn him a fight against someone in the top five.

If Murphy wins, it’s proof that he’s ready for the big leagues. People would have to start talking about him as a real threat to the title.

Either way, this fight means a lot. The winner takes a big step forward. The loser? They might have to take a few steps back.

FAQs: What You Need to Know

When is the fight?

The fight happens on Friday, April 5, 2025, at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

Where can I watch it?

You can watch it on Footybite or stream it on ufc streams. 

What are their rankings?

Josh Emmett is ranked #8, and Lerone Murphy is ranked #11 in the UFC featherweight division.

Has Murphy ever lost?

Nope! Murphy is still undefeated.

Why is this fight important?

The winner could move closer to a title shot and become one of the top fighters at 145 pounds.

Want to Learn More?

To stay updated on UFC matchups, fight cards, and rankings, check out MMA Fighting’s news coverage. They provide reliable, expert breakdowns and behind-the-scenes coverage of every major UFC event.

Conclusion

This fight has everything — a hard-hitting veteran trying to make one more run, and an undefeated fighter ready to prove he’s the real deal. Whether you love knockouts or smart strategy, you’re going to love this matchup.

If you’re a UFC fan — or just getting into it — Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy is the kind of fight that shows why this sport is so exciting.

Mark your calendar for April 5. You don’t want to miss this one.