No. 4 featherweight Josh Emmett (13-1, 4 KOs, 2 SUBs) will meet No. 8 at UFC on FOX 28 on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The card airs live on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, and get the latest betting previews, predictions and picks now.
Josh Emmett shocked a lot of people when he KO’d longtime top-3 Ricardo Lamas in his last fight. Sure, he took the fight on late notice and missed weight, but Lamas’ only previous losses in the UFC came against Jose Aldo, Chad Mendes and Max Holloway - that’s some impressive company.
So was it a fluke? Did the extra weight give him an unfair advantage? We’ll find out more about where Emmett belongs when he meets Jeremy Stephens this Saturday in the main event of UFC on FOX 28 in Orlando. Stephens is one of the most respected featherweights in the business, and just knocked off a hot prospect, Doo Ho Choi, in his last outing.
With the way these guys bang, this matchup should be filled with some brutal action. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and go over your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Jeremy Stephens -170
Josh Emmett +140
Over/under 3.5 rounds, over -105, under -115
The Stakes
Emmett has a chance to become a legit title contender in just his second fight at 145 pounds. That’s rare in a division as deep as featherweight. But beating Lamas and Stephens back-to-back would be akin to Volkan Oezdemir starching OSP, Cirkunov and Manuwa to earn an out-of-nowhere title shot against Daniel Cormier.
For Stephens, he’s protecting his role as an elite gatekeeper. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, as Stephens is well respected, well paid and a known quantity.
Matchup Preview
Emmet’s about as heavily muscled as you can get at 145 pounds. Though he’s just 145 pounds, the dude is built like a tree trunk and is every bit as strong as he looks. Training out of Team Alpha Male, it’s only natural that Emmett is growing into a fierce wrestle-boxer, and his compact frame certainly gives him advantages in that style.
The 32-year old may have knocked out Lamas, but that was the perfect punch at the perfect time. In 14 pro fights, Emmett has never been considered a knockout artist, notching just 4 TKO/KO finishes. Obviously, he can crack. But let’s not label him a puncher just yet. Urijah Faber and Co are probably working hard on that though.
Stephens has been in the UFC a long, long time. 26 UFC fights and over 10 years inside the octagon has produced a experienced, technical striker who knows every trick in the book. Training at Alliance MMA with Eric Del Fierro, Stephens is no longer the brawler he used to be, better focusing his explosive striking outbursts for maximum effect.
Obviously, Lil’ Heathen’s gotta be careful of Emmett’s knockout punch. But he should have a clear advantage on the feet, and is very difficult to take down as well. His 64% takedown defense should be able to keep this fight standing.
UFC Betting Tips
Oddsmakers have set a competitive line, along with an uncommon 3.5 round total. There are several options to play this. Stephens is understandably the favorite, despite his lower ranking, as he’s beaten more accomplished fighters than Emmett. Thankfully, his price isn’t too steep and playable as a straight bet.
The rounds over is a solid bet as well. Emmett has never been finished, and Stephens hasn’t been stopped since a KO loss to Yves Edwards in 2012. These are two toughass dudes that are likely going to the cards.
UFC Odds Pick: Over 3.5 rounds at -105
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UFC on FOX 28 takes place on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. The card airs live on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET.
