UFC Fight Night Standout: Josh Emmett Returns Versus Calvin Kattar
A UFC Fight Night event worth leaving the crowd-less Apex Center is slowly approaching the summer MMA schedule.
Former title challenger Calvin Kattar will clash with a formidable knockout artist in Josh Emmett in front of a sold-out Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on June 18, 2022.
It would be rude not to preview this thrilling piece of matchmaking, as two of the featherweight division’s most proficient strikers will do battle in attempts to better their top-10 ranking position.
Josh Emmett
World Ranking: #8 (Featherweight)
Age: 37
Height: 5’6”
Reach: 70.0”
Gym: Team Alpha Male
Born: Phoenix, Arizona
Pro Record: 17-2-0 (6 KOs, 2 submissions)
Aged 37-years-old, many mixed martial arts critics would argue that Josh Emmett is reaching the latter stage of his career, but I bet those same opinions would never be said to the face of Team Alpha Male’s No.8 ranked featherweight on the planet.
Currently riding a 4-fight win streak – taking his age out of the question – we could be witnessing the twelve-year MMA professional entering his prime fighting years. And to note, the 4-fight consecutive streak of wins has been against a serious level of competition, including Dan Ige, Shane Burgos, Misrad Bektic, and Michael Johnson.
Boasting an 8-2 run since joining the UFC in 2017, Emmett has earnt the respect of fans worldwide and the fighters who’re on the same roster as him. The legendary Jeremy Stephens – who notably defeated in Emmett in 2018 – went on record to praise the talents of his former foe.
When questioned, ‘who is the toughest man you’ve fought during your 48-fight career in mixed martial arts?’, Stephens said: “Without a doubt, Josh Emmett. I was at Dominick Cruz’s fight, and Cynthia Calvillo was close by, and I made sure to be like, ‘Yo, Cynthia, you tell Josh Emmett that Jeremy Stephens is a fan, and you tell his family that I’m supporting him. I’m really impressed with that he’s done.’
” I thought he was done after putting him in a body bag. I thought I ruined that guy’s career.”
Stephens continued. “No, that mother—ker’s like The Terminator, bro. He got up like The Undertaker, he’s on a four-fight win streak, he’s probably in line for a title, and he could give Volkanovski a run for his money; he’s knocking mother—kers out, dude, he’s gotta be the toughest guy.”
“There are guys who beat me like [Jose] Aldo, [Calvin] Kattar who’s a f—king’ monster. But who I’m most impressed by is Josh Emmett? Dude, I’m a fan. Anytime he fights, I’m going to tune in because he doesn’t have a mental block. He’s still going in their f—king dropping bombs and whooping peoples’ asses, and is a top guy in the UFC right now. So that dude, hats off to him.”
Jeremey Stephens isn’t the only fan of Emmett. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Emmett has an entire state of supporters who respect his ruthless aggression. This will be reflected on June 18 at the bookmakers – as we should anticipate a significant line betting movement in favor of the Arizona native.
Arizona sportsbooks are likely to position Emmett as the betting underdog. Still, avid bettors local to AZ should probably place their wagers early to receive the best betting value, as I’d expect the line to move fast. Kattar owns the greater record and current ranking, but nobody can prepare for the knockout power of Josh Emmett.
Josh Emmett vs. Calvin Kattar: Expectations
The available odds haven’t been released at the time of writing. Still, we know Emmett will be the underdog. Despite Calvin, Kattar owning some of the cleanest technical striking at 135lbs, it’ll be challenging to ignore Emmett’s current trajectory combined with his fight-ending potential.
Kattar (23-5-0, 10 KOs, 3 submissions) returns to the octagon following a stunning performance victory over Giga Chikadze, but Max Holloway previously outclassed him in a 5-round war. Emmett will present an attribute that none of Kattar’s previous opponents has – an excellent ground game and the most explosive power at this weight class.
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