On the one hand Murata is just nothing special. He's a basic fighter who can break you down if you have problems with getting pressured. On the other hand Butler is definitely heavy handed and can crack. He's hungry and motivated at this point in his career and for him it's the biggest fight of his career. Realistically, i do not see Butler handling Murata who basically walked through Brant in the rematch. Butler was dropped by a body shot in the Kopylenko fight and also pressured and stopped by Brandon Cook who probably hits hard but not as hard as Murata at 160. He arguably lost the fight vs. Kopylenko. It was a step up but Murata > Kopylenko. I pick Murata by KO between R 6 - 9. But i wouldn't be shocked if Butler somehow pulls it off.
I think Buttler is too green at this point and is defensive skills are not that great. He admitedly said that he was not preparing enough his defense until recently. Too little too late, a couple more years before big fights would have been better for him.
Murata handpicked Butler for a reason, he thinks he can break him down easily, but Butler can bang so he can hurt Murata early in the fight. Later on Murata should be a heavy favourite as Butler fades after 6 rds. With that said War Butler !!!!!
