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Tag: UFC Vegas 105

  • Torrez Finney On Lackluster UFC Debut: ‘I’d Rather Have An Ugly W Than Good L’

    Torrez Finney On Lackluster UFC Debut: ‘I’d Rather Have An Ugly W Than Good L’

    Despite some backlash to his performance, Torrez Finney insists he accomplished the most important thing in his UFC debut — win.

    The arrival of Finney was one of the most intriguing storylines heading into this past weekend’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex. That was owing to the manner in which the undefeated middleweight secured a contract.

    “The Punisher” required an unprecedented three victories on Dana White’s Contender Series to finally forge a path onto MMA’s biggest stage. His performances evidently didn’t impress the UFC CEO, who even predicted that Finney would get “decimated” in the Octagon.

    While the 26-year-old avoided that fate Saturday night, he likely didn’t boost his stock in the eyes of White or the seemingly the fanbase after grinding out a low-activity, grappling control-heavy decision win over Robert Valentin.

    During his appearance at the UFC Vegas 105 post-fight press conference, Finney addressed the criticism of his debut display.

    “I’d rather have an ugly ‘W’ than a good ‘L,’” Torrez Finney said. “One, we were really confident in my area, obviously, getting it to the ground. I felt like I was the better grappler, no question. He did some things better in situations than I expected, but also, there was a lot of missed opportunities for me on the ground, and I didn’t take advantage of it.

    “There’s a lot of things I got to grow on. I think I gave him too much confidence in areas, and I didn’t execute,” Finney concluded.

  • Lerone Murphy Insists ‘Real MMA Fans’ Appreciated His Win Over Josh Emmett

    Lerone Murphy Insists ‘Real MMA Fans’ Appreciated His Win Over Josh Emmett

    UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy isn’t entertaining any criticism of his headline victory on Saturday night.

    Murphy remained undefeated as a professional at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex. The Mancunian recorded his biggest win to date in the main event by outpointing longtime top 10 mainstay Josh Emmett.

    With the result, “The Miracle” has notched consecutive victories over Emmett, Dan Ige, and Edson Barboza. With that, he’s no doubt expecting a climb further up the 145-pound ladder come next week’s rankings update.

    But when it comes to his desired push into the title picture, some have suggested that the manner of his wins and lack of finishes will slow down Murphy’s surge toward the gold.

    The man himself, though, doesn’t appear worried, believing that “real MMA fans” will have appreciated the technical display he put on in Las Vegas.

    “Clinic! Real MMA fans will appreciate the technicality of that fight,” Lerone Murphy wrote on X. “That’s fight IQ. Punishing elbows in close, body kicks, neat footwork. Had him hurt a few times. Why would I stay in the pocket with a power puncher. Float like a butterfly sting like a (bee) baby”

    It remains to be seen what comes next for Lerone Murphy. He did have a name in mind post-fight, calling out former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega.

  • What’s Next For Lerone Murphy After UFC Vegas 105?

    What’s Next For Lerone Murphy After UFC Vegas 105?

    Lerone Murphy’s dominant unanimous decision victory over Josh Emmett at UFC Vegas 105 has cemented his position as one of the featherweight division’s most promising contenders. With his undefeated record now at 16-0-1 and an eight-fight winning streak that ties for the longest active streak in the division, Murphy stands at a pivotal moment in his career.

    The British fighter showcased exceptional technical skills in his victory, utilizing superior footwork and speed to outpace the veteran Emmett. Murphy’s striking differential was remarkable, landing 117 total strikes to Emmett’s 44 while demonstrating solid defensive wrestling against a proven power puncher.

    After dispatching the seventh-ranked Emmett, Murphy has made it clear he’s targeting the division’s elite. “Obviously, I want that title shot, but give me anything in the top five or top three,” Murphy stated in his post-fight comments. He specifically mentioned Brian Ortega as a potential next opponent, signaling his readiness to face the division’s upper echelon.

    This victory over Emmett represents Murphy’s most significant career win, building upon previous victories against established names like Dan Ige and Edson Barboza. The performance should propel him into the featherweight division’s top rankings, positioning him for a potential title eliminator bout in his next outing.

    For the undefeated Murphy, the path forward is clear – continue his ascent through the rankings with another high-profile victory that could potentially earn him a championship opportunity.

  • Lerone Murphy Stays Undefeated With Decision Win Over Josh Emmett At UFC Vegas 105

    Lerone Murphy Stays Undefeated With Decision Win Over Josh Emmett At UFC Vegas 105

    Lerone Murphy will be looking for his next fight to make a statement toward featherweight contendership after defeating former interim title challenger Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 105.

    The opening round proved to be a competitive one. Murphy looked to use leg kicks to take out Emmett’s power and connected with several notable shots. Emmett, however, did put his power on display, connecting hard on a few exchanges during the frame.

    Emmett then scored a massive slam early in the second round before nearly locking in a guillotine. Murphy escaped to the feet, but Emmett kept control, pinning the British fighter against the fence. Murphy escaped Emmett’s grasp with less than two minutes left in the round, looking to pressure and be the aggressor for the rest of the round, finding success with the upper hand in striking.

    Lerone Murphy Outworks Josh Emmett In Competitive Outing, Earns Decision

    The third round proved to be a toss-up, with Emmett looking for takedowns and Murphy continuing to work his combinations and leg kicks. After another back-and-forth striking battle in round four, round five saw Emmett seem to get the upper hand in terms of striking output. Murphy, however, landed a stunning shot on Emmett, and he ultimately took the decision on all three judges’ cards.

    This was Emmett’s first appearance in the Octagon since his knockout of Bryce Mitchell — one of the top knockouts of 2023 — at UFC 296. He’s lost three of his last four, beginning with a loss in an interim featherweight title fight against Yair Rodriguez.

    Murphy improves to 16-0-1, having won every fight since earning a draw in his UFC debut. Murphy’s last three wins have now come against notable names in Emmett, Dan Ige and Edson Barboza.

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Lerone Murphy Outpoints Josh Emmett

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Lerone Murphy Outpoints Josh Emmett

    The latest UFC Fight Night took place Saturday in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all of the action!

    Before turning its attention to pay-per-view fights in Miami next weekend, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion had one final piece of business to attend to at the Apex.

    And headlining inside the low-capacity venue on April 5 were a pair of top 10 featherweight contenders in Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, the latter of whom advanced his title ambitions with a main event triumph.

    With tonight’s event concluded, see below for the live results, followed by all the highlights as they come.

    UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy Results & Highlights

    Main Card):

    • Featherweight Main Event: Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
    • Featherweight: Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
    • Bantamweight: ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches): R2, 3:48
    • Middleweight: Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Flyweight: Ode’ Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches): R2, 1:54
    • Middleweight: Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via unanimous decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Women’s Flyweight: Dione Barbosa def. Diane Belbiţă via submission (triangle choke): R1, 4:13
    • Welterweight: Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage): R1, 5:00
    • Women’s Strawweight: Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Bantamweight: Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Heavyweight: Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Brad Tavares Ties Middleweight Record With Win Over Gerald Meerschaert At UFC Vegas 105

    Brad Tavares Ties Middleweight Record With Win Over Gerald Meerschaert At UFC Vegas 105

    Brad Tavares is back in the win column once again with his decision over Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 105. And this win is just a little sweeter.

    This win, Tavares’ 16th in the UFC, ties UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping for the most Octagon victories at middleweight.

    Tavares was the aggressor during the opening round, as Meerschaert stayed on the back foot and looked to land counterstrikes while looking for a takedown. Meerschaert could not find a way inside during the opening round, however. Tavares landed well with his boxing, including some notable significant strikes in the bout’s final minute.

    Tavares continued to work with his striking to start the second, but Meerschaert was able to pin him against the fence about a minute in. Tavares quickly worked his way off the fence, and while Meerschaert had a better performance (including another pin against the fence), Tavares still got the better of him striking wise. This included a solid one-two that caught Meerschaert’s attention in the round’s final minute.

    Brad Tavares Ties Michael Bisping For Most UFC Middleweight Wins At UFC Vegas 105

    Meerschaert tried for a takedown during the final round, and Meerschaert was able to grab a hold of him and control him with the two standing. Meerschaert attempted to break Tavares’s balance, but Tavares fought back, with referee Mike Beltran forcing a break with about a minute left in the fight.

    All three judges gave the fight 29-28 to Tavares.

    This marked just Tavares’ second win in his most recent six fights, bouncing back from losses against Gregory Rodrigues and Park Jun-yong last year. Tavares’ only other win in this span came against Chris Weidman at UFC 292.

    This is Meerschaert’s second straight loss, getting submitted by Reiner de Ridder in his UFC debut back in November.

  • Watch Ode’ Osbourne Flatten Luis Gurule At UFC Vegas 105 To Snap Losing Skid

    Watch Ode’ Osbourne Flatten Luis Gurule At UFC Vegas 105 To Snap Losing Skid

    For the first time in two years, Ode’ Osbourne gets his hand raised in the Octagon, defeating Luis Gurule as part of the main card for UFC Vegas 105.

    Osbourne came out aggressive in the opening round, focusing on his kicks and combination. Gurule scored a takedown during the round and briefly had top control, but Osbourne quickly got back to his feet. Osborne’s striking proved to be key, which led to the result it did in the second.

    Osbourne, after landing a boxing combination, caught Gurule coming in, landing a cross that dropped him. Osbourne landed some follow-up shots before the referee stepped in, awarding Osbourne a second-round TKO.

    Ode Osbourne KOs Luis Gurule For First Win In Two Years At UFC Vegas 105

    This marked Osbourne’s first victory in the UFC since defeating Charles Johnson in February 2023. Since then, Osbourne had lost three straight against Asu Almabayev, Jafel Filho and Ronaldo Rodriguez.

    This fight also marked Gurule’s UFC debut, following a split decision win over Nick Piccininni on Dana White’s Contender Series this past October.

  • ‘Dana White Was Right’ – Fans Rip UFC Vegas 105 Debut Of Torrez Finney, Fighter UFC CEO Predicted Would Get ‘Decimated’

    ‘Dana White Was Right’ – Fans Rip UFC Vegas 105 Debut Of Torrez Finney, Fighter UFC CEO Predicted Would Get ‘Decimated’

    The debut of Torrez Finney at UFC Vegas 105 proved to be a disaster in more ways than one. Though he scored a decision win, Finney’s performance came under fire — as did one judge’s scorecard.

    After a bit of sizing each other up, Finney went right in for a takedown. He managed to lift Valentin up and bring him down, but Valentin was up almost right away. In spite of Valentin’s defenses, Finney took him down again and got to his back — even when the fight returned to the feet. Finney scored another pair of takedowns before the end of round one.

    Finney got back to the takedown right away as the fight entered round two. Valentin threw up his legs and attempted a triangle but was unable to get it. Finney seemed to trouble Valentin with a slam halfway through the second, but he didn’t do much to warrant any notable damage. Valentin got back to his feet in the round’s final minute and sought a kimura but couldn’t get anything going.

    Finney continued to press for the takedown in the third round, and while he controlled most of the round, he did little to no damage during those five minutes.

    Finney still took the judges’ decision. Judge Tony Weeks, a veteran judge – albeit one who has judged a lot more boxing than MMA – gave all three rounds to Valentin despite the The Ultimate Fighter alumnus being dominated with wrestling. The other two judges gave Finney the fight 29-28.

    Torrez Finney Underwhelms In Debut, Ends In Baffling Split Decision Victory At UFC Vegas 105

    https://twitter.com/dillondanis/status/1908694305855648177
    https://twitter.com/ElonovMMA/status/1908694488203354249

    Finney made three appearances on Dana White’s Contender Series. His first appearance in 2023 — a submission win over Yuri Panferov — saw the UFC CEO blast his performance, claiming he wouldn’t last in the UFC. Finney finally earned a contract after a decision win over Cam Rowston and a first-round finish of Abdellah Er-Ramy on the show.

    Valentin competed on season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter and finished as the middleweight runner-up, defeating Giannis Bachar and Paddy McCorry on the show before losing in the final to Ryan Loder.

  • Fans React To Daniel Frunza’s Busted Eye And Lip, Giving Rhys McKee First UFC Win At UFC Vegas 105

    Fans React To Daniel Frunza’s Busted Eye And Lip, Giving Rhys McKee First UFC Win At UFC Vegas 105

    The fourth time proves to be the charm for Rhys McKee.

    Coming into UFC Vegas 105 as an underdog following two losses in the Octagon, Rhys McKee finally scores his first UFC victory, defeating Daniel Frunza.

    While Frunza opened up with heavy crosses, it didn’t take long for McKee to find his rhythm. He quickly dropped Frunza in the first minute with a right hand, going on to drop Frunza four times in a five-minute span. McKee’s perfectly timed counters and combinations helped him dominate the first round, putting a beating on Frunza.

    The beating was so bad, in fact, that a notable bloody cut could be seen around one of Frunza’s eyes, leaving it a mess. It wasn’t until the round’s end that it was noticed that Frunza also had a split lip.

    Frunza showed heart and survived the round; however, the cageside physician quickly called off the fight in the corner.

    Rhys McKee Batters Daniel Frunza To Doctor’s Stoppage TKO Win At UFC Vegas 105

    https://twitter.com/jxkewillixms/status/1908675807557394680
    https://twitter.com/4mochajones/status/1908675567299551712

    McKee, the former Cage Warriors welterweight champion, was defeated by Khamzat Chimaev, Ange Loosa, and Chidi Njokuani prior to tonight’s performance.

    This marked Frunza’s first fight since defeating Vadym Kutsyi on Dana White’s Contender Series in September.

  • UFC Vegas 105: Emmett vs. Murphy Preview, Fight Card, and How to Watch

    UFC Vegas 105: Emmett vs. Murphy Preview, Fight Card, and How to Watch

    UFC returns to the intimate Apex facility this Saturday for UFC Vegas 105, featuring a high-stakes featherweight showdown between veteran knockout artist Josh Emmett and undefeated prospect Lerone Murphy. Taking place in Las Vegas, this event showcases fighters at critical junctures in their careers, with implications for the increasingly competitive featherweight division.

    How to Watch

    Start Times:

    • United States: Prelims 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT, Main Card 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT
    • United Kingdom: Prelims 11:00 PM BST, Main Card 2:00 AM BST (Sunday)

    Broadcast Details:

    • United States: ESPN+
    • United Kingdom: TNT Sports
    • International: UFC Fight Pass

    Main Event Spotlight: Emmett vs. Murphy

    The card is headlined by a compelling clash of styles, as power-punching veteran Josh Emmett (19-4) faces the technical precision of undefeated Lerone Murphy (15-0-1) in a five-round featherweight bout.

    Emmett enters the Octagon with significant momentum after securing a first-round knockout over Bryce Mitchell in December 2023. The 40-year-old Team Alpha Male standout boasts the most knockdowns in featherweight history (12) and remains one of the division’s most dangerous power punchers. After experiencing setbacks against elite competition in Ilia Topuria and Yair Rodriguez, Emmett aims to prove he still belongs among the division’s top contenders.

    Standing across from him is the unbeaten Murphy, who has steadily built his reputation with a seven-fight winning streak, most recently defeating Dan Ige by unanimous decision in October 2024. The Manchester-based fighter brings a versatile switch-stance striking approach with solid takedown defense. Murphy’s technical precision and defensive awareness present a significant challenge to Emmett’s aggressive power-punching style.

    The smaller Octagon at the UFC Apex could be a decisive factor, potentially limiting Murphy’s movement and playing into Emmett’s power-punching game. For Emmett, a victory could reignite his title aspirations, while Murphy looks to validate his undefeated record against his most accomplished opponent to date.

    Complete Fight Card

    Main Card (9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT)

    • Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy (Featherweight)
    • Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito (Featherweight)
    • Cortavious Romious vs. Chang Ho Lee (Bantamweight)
    • Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Martin Buday (Heavyweight)
    • Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
    • Torrez Finney vs. Robert Valentin (Middleweight)

    Preliminary Card (6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT)

    • Ode Osbourne vs. Luis Gurule (Flyweight)
    • Davey Grant vs. Daniel Santos (Bantamweight)
    • Diana Belbiță vs. Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight)
    • Rhys McKee vs. Daniel Frunza (Welterweight)
    • Loma Lookboonmee vs. Istela Nunes (Women’s Strawweight)
    • Victor Henry vs. Pedro Falcao (Bantamweight)
    • Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Talita Alencar (Women’s Strawweight)

    Featured Bouts

    Pat Sabatini vs. Joanderson Brito

    This featherweight co-main event pits the grappling-oriented Sabatini against the aggressive Brito in what could determine a future contender in the division. Sabatini brings elite submission skills, while Brito’s explosive power and developing ground game make this an intriguing clash of styles.

    Torrez Finney vs. Robert Valentin

    Finney makes his anticipated UFC debut after impressive performances on Dana White’s Contender Series. His dominant wrestling base will be tested against Valentin in a middleweight matchup that has fans excited to see if Finney can live up to the hype.

    Brad Tavares vs. Gerald Meerschaert

    Two of the UFC’s most experienced middleweights collide as the durable Tavares faces submission specialist Meerschaert. With over 50 combined UFC appearances between them, this promises to be a tactically fascinating bout between battle-tested veterans.

    UFC Vegas 105 offers an intriguing mix of established veterans and rising prospects, with the featherweight division taking center stage. Stay tuned to MMA News for our coverage of this action-packed card live from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

  • UFC Vegas 105 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy Card

    UFC Vegas 105 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy Card

    UFC Vegas 105 is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup.

    The upcoming event takes place Saturday, April 5, at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.

    Topping the lineup will be a pair of top 10 featherweight contenders in powerhouse Josh Emmett and the undefeated Lerone Murphy.

    And also making the walk on Saturday will be the likes of Joanderson Brito, Brad Tavares, Torrez Finney, Davey Grant, and Rhys McKee.

    UFC Vegas 105: Emmett vs. Murphy Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 105 (as of 4/4), courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Josh Emmett (+260) vs. Lerone Murphy (-325)
    • Pat Sabatini (+190) vs. Joanderson Brito (-230)
    • Cortavious Romious (+110) vs. ChangHo Lee (-130)
    • Brad Tavares (-198) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (+164)
    • Ode’ Osbourne (+200) vs. Luis Gurule (-245)
    • Torrez Finney (-298) vs. Robert Valentin (+240)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Davey Grant (+120) vs. Daniel Santos (-142)
    • Diane Belbiţă (+650) vs. Dione Barbosa (-1000)
    • Rhys McKee (+130) vs. Daniel Frunza (-155)
    • Loma Lookboonmee (-700) vs. Istela Nunes (+500)
    • Victor Henry (-205) vs. Pedro Falcao (+170)
    • Martin Buday vs. Uran Satybaldiev
    • Vanessa Demopoulos (-108) vs. Talita Alencar (-112)
  • Lerone Murphy Expects To Follow Ilia Topuria’s Path To UFC Featherweight Title Shot

    Lerone Murphy Expects To Follow Ilia Topuria’s Path To UFC Featherweight Title Shot

    UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy is confident that a statement performance at the expense of Josh Emmett this weekend will net him a first shot at gold on MMA’s biggest stage.

    After an undefeated start to life in the UFC and recent wins over Edson Barboza and Dan Ige, Murphy has cracked the divisional top 10.

    Next, as he continues to pursue a climb up the ranks toward the title picture, “The Miracle” is tasked with getting the better of arguably the most powerful man at 145 pounds, knockout artist Emmett.

    The 40-year-old is no stranger to meeting unbeaten up-and-comers, having headline a Jacksonville event opposite then-future champion Ilia Topuria in mid-2023. After battering the American, Topuria went on to challenge and defeat Alexander Volkanovski to claim the belt.

    With that in mind, Murphy expects the same opportunity to await him should he avoid the dynamite in Emmett’s hands this Saturday night.

    “I’ve got a big job in front of me, a big task in front of me,” Murphy told talkSPORT. “But obviously we know with a win, I’ll be asking for a title shot for sure.

    “Ilia Topuria done it and I’ll be 16-0. So I feel like if I go out there and put on a good, solid performance and look championship worthy, then I think the UFC will give it to me,” Murphy added.

    And should that be the case, the Brit is also hoping for the same man who Topuria unseated last February to return to the throne.

    “I would say Volkanovski (is the preferred championship opponent), just because of the name value,” Lerone Murphy explained. “He’s a legend, and I think if you have Volkanovski on your record, like when you look back on your career, for me, it’s not really about money. It’s about status and what I can tell my kids and what I can look back on.

    “When you get old, all you’ve got is memories, and you’re looking back on what you’ve done. To be able to say, ‘I fought Volkanovski,’ would be a big one. I think he gets the job done next weekend,” Lerone Murphy continued. “So hopefully it’s me versus Volk. But like you said, he’s got a tough matchup. I’ve got a tough matchup. Let’s see what happens.”

    It’s evident that Lerone Murphy will have his eyes on next month’s UFC 314 main event for the vacant featherweight title between Volkanovski and Diego Lopes.

    First things first, though, the Manchester native must stall the late-career ambitions of Emmett, who is returning for the first time since a sickening KO of Bryce Mitchell 16 months ago.

  • Josh Emmett Sends Advice To Fans After Seeing Betting Odds For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event

    Josh Emmett Sends Advice To Fans After Seeing Betting Odds For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event

    UFC featherweight contender Josh Emmett is expecting to make a mockery of his underdog status in this weekend’s main event.

    Emmett is set to return from a 16-month layoff at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex, having not competed since his sickening knockout of Bryce Mitchell in December 2023.

    In his bid to regain momentum after that memorable result, the 40-year-old is tasked with stalling the rise of undefeated up-and-comer Lerone Murphy in the headline spot on April 5.

    Successfully doing so would see Emmett upset the odds. As pointed out to him at UFC Vegas 105 media day on Wednesday, the betting line currently has the veteran at +275.

    “The people that are betting, they love it when I’m a huge underdog,” Josh Emmett said. “What, +275? Bet the house.”

    The root of Emmett’s confidence? The belief that his already obscene power has only increased during his time away.

    “Over the last 14 months, we’ve been working on my power,” he said. “I promise you I’m so much more powerful than I was, so wait till that right hand connects.”

    The addition of even more power to Emmett’s dynamite hands is a scary prospect for the featherweight division and, in particular, Murphy.

    “The Miracle” has climbed into the 145-pound top 10 with a 7-0-1 record. He most recently got the better of the always game Dan Ige in Abu Dhabi last October.