The UFC returns to the Apex on April 5 for a Fight Night headlined by No. 8 Josh Emmett vs. No. 10 Lerone Murphy. Emmett looks to extend his win streak to two for the first time since 2022. But Emmett will face another contender on the rise in Murphy, who is 15-0-1 and is on a seven-fight win streak in the UFC.
The Prelims start at 6:00 p.m. ET, with the Main Card airing at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Check out my favorite fighters to add to your daily fantasy lineup for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $350K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]
Studs
Torrez Finney ($9,000)
I previously had Kennedy Nzechukwu as my highest-priced fighter. However, it was revealed that he was injured and had to withdraw from his bout against Martin Buday. But let’s dive into an exciting prospect making his official UFC debut, Torrez Finney.
Finney is not an ordinary graduate of Dana White’s Contender Series. He is the first ever fighter to go 3-0 on the show. Finney’s latest victory was a knockout against Abdellah Er-Ramy in October 2024. He is 10-0 with eight finishes in his MMA career. Seven of Finney’s 10 finishes have come in the first two rounds.
Finney is fighting Robert Valentin, who is 11-4 and lost his previous fight against Ryan Loder. Valentin is a good submission artist on the ground. Finney must display elite takedown defense if he wants to win this bout. At 26 years old, Finney possesses that star potential and seems destined for greatness.
Joanderson Brito ($8,700)
Brito is fighting Pat Sabatini in the co-main event. In September 2024, Brito lost his previous fight to William Gomis. Brito won his five fights before that, all by finish.
Throughout his UFC career, Brito has shown that he is an incredibly versatile fighter. In his MMA career, Brito has eight knockouts and seven submissions. Before his last performance, Brito had recorded at least 102 points in three of four contests. Brito faces Pat Sabatini, who has won two of his last three fights by submission.
In this matchup, Brito has a two-inch edge in reach (72″ vs. 70″) while both fighters stand at 5’8″. Brito averages over three significant strikes per minute, over one more than Sabatini. On the ground, Sabatini totals more takedowns per 15 minutes, but Brito is more efficient in his attempts. If Brito can display his elite takedown defense (72%) in this fight, he will be primed to have another excellent performance.
Value Play
Josh Emmett ($6,900)
Getting Josh Emmett at $6,900 is a great price, even while facing a formidable opponent in Lerone Murphy. Although Emmett is returning after a 15-month layoff, he was excellent the last time he fought. Emmett knocked out Bryce Mitchell in December 2023 en route to a 101-point fantasy performance.
Emmett is undersized in this fight, but at 5’6″, he is used to being the smaller fighter. Murphy lands more significant strikes per minute (4.80 vs. 4.04) while being the more accurate striker (54% vs. 36%). But Emmett has an ability that few possess at 145 pounds. He has legit one-punch knockout power.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Emmett is an underdog at +250 while Murphy is -310. Murphy is a rising star in the division but hasn’t faced the competition that Emmett has in the past. Emmett has faced Dan Ige, Calvin Kattar, Yair Rodriguez, Ilia Topuria and Mitchell in his previous five bouts.
Even at 40, Emmett is still in elite shape and ready to make another run at a title opportunity. Emmett will need to defend Murphy’s takedowns while not allowing Murphy to control the fight on the feet. Emmett has finished with 71, 73, and 110 points in his last three victories. He is facing an uphill battle in this contest, but if he can use his power to close the distance, a positive outing should be in his future.
Set your DraftKings fantasy MMA lineups here: UFC $350K Throwdown [$100K to 1st]
