Lerone Murphy defeated hard-nosed veteran Edson Barboza in the main event of UFC Vegas 92, via unanimous decision. Except for the up kick that landed clean on him, Murphy breezed past the aging veteran. Murphy has been inactive throughout his UFC career but the victory over Barboza has opened several doors for him. Murphy has called for a top-10 opponent and he could certainly get one as he is now the 11th-ranked featherweight. Barboza slipped three spots down to 15.
Josh Emmett
Josh Emmett is another veteran in the featherweight division. However, he knocked out Bryce Mitchell in his latest fight, at UFC 296. Despite being in his late 30s, Emmett has not shown any signs of slowing down, especially when it comes to power. Nonetheless, he has been termed a one-trick pony, particularly due to his overreliance on landing the power punch.
Fighters have been able to maneuver through the power of Emmett and Murphy could do the same. Ranked 7th in the division, Emmett is the highest-ranked opponent Murphy could get as all others are otherwise engaged. With his age and technique, Murphy would certainly be a favorite in the potential fight.
Calvin Kattar
Calvin Kattar returned from a long lay-off at UFC 300 but lost to Aljamain Sterling. Kattar looked like a shell of himself against Sterling. However, he would get a favorable matchup against Murphy who is much more of a striker than a grappler. Like Emmet, Kattar is closer to 40 than he is to 30.
Murphy would certainly have the edge against Kattar if he maneuvers through the jab of the American. If he mixed takedowns into the game, Murphy can make it easier against Kattar. Nevertheless, Kattar has been very difficult to finish and a potential finish could get Murphy a big opportunity. Despite the slump, Kattar is ranked 8th which can further motivate Murphy.
Bryce Mitchell
Bryce Mitchell was knocked out cold by Josh Emmet at UFC 296. Mitchell stepped in as a short-notice replacement for Giga Chikadze but met with a brutal right hand from Emmet that appeared to give him seizures. Sean Woodson recently called out Mitchell after he defeated Alex Caceres at UFC St. Louis.
Mitchel has accepted the callout but a fight against a ranked Murphy is more enticing. Even though Mitchell is ranked one spot below Murphy at 12, the American has name value and a victory could the Brit into the top 10 of the rankings.
