UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy clapped back at his critics after an at-times slow-paced fight at UFC Vegas 105.
Lerone Murphy earned the biggest win of his young UFC career by defeating former interim title challenger Josh Emmett at UFC Vegas 105. Murphy remains undefeated after frustrating Emmett with a technical approach en route to a unanimous decision victory.
Murphy is an emerging talent in the UFC featherweight division and stifled Emmett’s big threat inside the Octagon. He avoided the fate that Bryce Mitchell, Ricardo Lamas, and others suffered during Emmett’s rise up the rankings.
But Murphy’s win didn’t satisfy many fight fans who feel he was running from Emmett in their main event matchup.
Murphy wobbled Emmett badly in the opening round and appeared on the cusp of potentially earning a quick finish. But instead of rushing into the pocket, Murphy opted for a smart approach, playing the matador role and point-fighting from the outside.
By Round 5, Emmett was visibly frustrated with Murphy’s careful approach in the Octagon and mocked him for ‘running’ in the final minutes. Murphy’s smart gameplan paid off with a decisive win on the judges’ scorecards.
But many fans on social media weren’t complimentary of Murphy’s technical performance, leading him to speak out and explain his approach to his critics. But in a follow-up, Murphy posted a hilarious example of what he tried to avoid at UFC Vegas 105.
In a recent post to X, Murphy hilariously answered his critics.
“You guys must have wanted this to be me? [LAUGHS] no thanks,” Murphy tweeted.
You guys must have wanted this to be me? 😅😂 no thanks pic.twitter.com/Z02hvVRXRp
— LERONE MURPHY (@LeroneMurphy) April 7, 2025
Lerone Murphy got into it with fans at the Apex after UFC Vegas 105
While Murphy’s clapback above was undoubtedly humorous, he was fiery in the immediate aftermath of his win at UFC Vegas 105. After boobirds rained down from a vocal group of fans at the Apex, Murphy shut them down in his post-fight interview, before confronting them as he left the venue.
Security separated Murphy and a feisty fan who belittled the UK star after his career-best victory. Luckily, Murphy wasn’t allowed to confront the troll face-on, or sparks might’ve flown between the two sides.
Murphy acknowledged he adapted a Muhammad Ali-inspired game plan for his showdown with Emmett at UFC Vegas 105. Donning a similar hairstyle to the late legend, Murphy showed off a technical showing seldom seen in modern UFC featherweight history.
As Murphy continues to move up the ranks, he’ll continue to have his detractors, but he seems up to the task.
