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Our fight picks for UFC on ESPN 65: Emmett vs. Murphy!
- Admin
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 20
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On April 5, 2025, the UFC returns to the Apex in Las Vegas for UFC on ESPN 65: Emmett vs. Murphy.
The main event features former interim title challenger Josh Emmett taking on unbeaten rising star Lerone Murphy in a high-stakes featherweight showdown. In the co-main event, Brazilian finisher Joanderson Brito meets grappling ace Pat Sabatini in another pivotal featherweight clash.
The rest of the card is stacked with heavyweights, veteran middleweights, and other procets. It all airs live on ESPN and ESPN+ this Saturday night from Las Vegas – fight fans won’t want to miss it!
Main Card (ESPN, ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET)
Main Event: Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy
General consensus: Josh Emmett enters the fight as a 3-1 favorite over Lerone Murphy.
Our prediction: Murphy wins by unanimous decision.
Josh Emmett (19-4) takes on unbeaten Lerone Murphy (15-0-1) in a high-stakes featherweight main event. Emmett, 40, is a battle-tested knockout artist looking to bounce back after losses to Ilia Topuria and in an interim title fight.
Murphy, 33, represents the new wave at 145 lbs. The Englishman is coming off a dominant win over Dan Ige, showing sharp striking and a well-rounded game. This matchup pits Emmett’s power and experience against Murphy’s speed, movement, and technical edge.
Emmett’s path is the big overhand – a fight-ending shot he’s landed before. But if Murphy avoids early danger, his volume, cardio, and range control should carry him to a decision win. The pick: Murphy by decision as he stays undefeated and moves closer to a title shot.
Co-Main Event: Joanderson Brito vs. Pat Sabatini (Featherweight)
General consensus: Brito is seen by most as a 2-1 favorite over Sabatini.
Our prediction: Joanderson Brito wins by TKO within round 2.
In the featherweight co-main, Joanderson “Tubarão” Brito (17-4-1) meets grappling ace Pat Sabatini (19-5) in a classic striker vs. grappler clash. Brito, known for his explosive starts and knockout power, looks to rebound after a close loss in Paris halted a five-fight win streak.
Sabatini, a BJJ black belt with 11 submissions, returns to the UFC after a reset outside the promotion. His top control and slick chokes can overwhelm opponents—if he gets the fight to the mat.
Brito will look to keep it standing and punish Sabatini’s shaky striking defense. If Sabatini can survive the early barrage and drag it down, he has a path. But Brito’s takedown defense has held up well, and Sabatini has been stopped before.
The pick: Brito by TKO, likely in Round 2, as his power proves too much.
Other Key Fights from UFC on ESPN 63
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Martin Buday (Heavyweight): A heavyweight striker’s duel is set as Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-5) faces Martin Buday (14-2). The 6’5” “African Savage” has impressed at heavyweight with back-to-back first-round KOs and brings speed, reach, and sharp striking. Buday, a 265-pound grinder, is tough and clinch-heavy but slower and less active. Unless Buday smothers him early, expect Nzechukwu’s precision to shine. Prediction: Nzechukwu by KO/TKO after a measured start.
Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight):Middleweight vets clash as Brad Tavares (20-11) takes on Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert (37-18). Tavares is a durable striker with strong takedown defense and a decade of UFC experience. Meerschaert, a submission ace with 27 tap-out wins, struggles against strikers who can stuff his takedowns. Tavares (-260) is favored for a reason — his movement, jabs, and 80% takedown defense should keep GM3 off balance. Prediction: Tavares by decision in a measured striking affair.
ChangHo Lee vs. Cortavious Romious (Bantamweight): In a battle of newcomers, South Korea’s Lee Chang-Ho (10-1) meets Cortavious Romious (9-3). Lee, a Road to UFC champ, brings sharp striking and speed, while Romious is a powerful, athletic brawler looking to rebound from a UFC debut loss. Lee (-140) is favored thanks to his volume, accuracy, and poise under pressure. Romious is dangerous early but can be hit, especially by kickers. Prediction: Lee by decision in a high-paced fight where his cleaner technique edges it.
Catch UFC on ESPN 65: Emmett vs. Murphy on ESPN, ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET for a night of fights with potential title implications in Tampa, Florida!
Main card
Fight | Our prediction |
Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy (FW) | Lerone Murphy wins decision |
Joanderson Brito vs. Pat Sabatini (FW) | Joanderson Brito wins by TKO |
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Martin Buday (HW) | Kennedy Nzechukwu wins TKO |
Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert (MW) | Brad Tavares wins by decision |
ChangHo Lee vs. Cortavious Romious (BW) | ChangHo Lee wins by decision |
Torrez Finney vs. Rob Valentin (MW) | Torrez Finney wins by TKO |
Preliminary card
Fight | Our prediction |
Ode’ Osbourne vs. Luis Gurule (FLW) | Luis Gurule wins by TKO |
Davey Grant vs. Daniel Santos (BW) | Daniel Santos wins by TKO |
Diana Belbiță vs. Dione Barbosa (WFLW) | Dione Barbosa wins by submission |
Rhys McKee vs. Daniel Frunza (WW) | Daniel Frunza wins by decision |
Loma Lookboonmee vs. Istela Nunes (WSW) | Loma Lookboonmee wins by decision |
Victor Henry vs. Pedro Falcão (BW) | Victor Henry wins by decision |
Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Talita Alencar (WSW) | Talita Alencar wins by decision |
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