The MMA Daily

Once upon a time, Makwan Amirkhani was that new exciting toy. However, his inability to evolve and correct his flaws have seen him become an afterthought in the Featherweight division. The problem therein lies in his cardio and near one dimensional style. While Amirkhani has taken down everyone but Andy Ogle (who he knocked out in eight seconds), his striking just isn’t a complementary tool to aid him should he run into a better grappler. In fact, the most significant strikes Amirkhani has landed in a fight is thirty two. While Lerone Murphy isn’t that active of a striker himself, he is a very cerebral one. With legit power, Murphy does a good job at picking his shots and avoiding being hit.

As for a prediction, I have Murphy. While his takedown defense can be worrisome at times, Murphy has done a better job at keeping the fight upright since his debut against Zubaira Tukhugov. Even if Amirkhani finds success early in getting the fight down, I’m confident Murphy will find a way back up and get the better of the Finn on the feet. By round three, a tired Amirkhani will get dominated and lose via decision.