Lerone Murphy edged closer to a shot at the UFC featherweight title on Saturday, outpointing Josh Emmett with a “masterclass” in Las Vegas. Murphy was a 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 over Emmett in their Fight Night main event, as he neutralised the threat of the known power puncher over five rounds.

Knowing his opponent has the power to put heads in the third row, Lerone Murphy seemed to have a simple game plan.

Lerone Murphy and Josh Emmett played matador and bull on Saturday. Emmett's pressure was constant, but his ineffective offense failed to sway the judges at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas. Emmett vs. Murphy played out as most pundits expected.