MMA Preview – Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JOSH EMMETT VS BRYCE MITCHELL FACTS
When is UFC 296? Saturday 16th December, 2023 - 23:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 296? T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 296? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 296
What channel is UFC 296 on? TNT Sports Box Office (£19.99 – main card)
Where can I stream UFC 296? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JOSH EMMETT VS BRYCE MITCHELL LOWDOWN
Josh Emmett (18-4) has found life tough at the top. He earnt a shot at the former title challenger Yair Rodriguez (2023) after capping off an impressive five-fight win streak with a split decision over Calvin Kattar (2022). He fell into the Mexican’s triangle choke to deny a featherweight interim title and then he went on to fight the prospect Ilia Topuria back in June. It was the ‘Fight of the Night’, but he lost a unanimous decision to force him back to the drawing board.
He had another killer lined up in the form of Giga Chikadze. Unfortunately, he got injured in training opening the door to Bryce Mitchell (16-1). He was also on a rapid ascent up the division after he grappled his way to five UFC wins. After wrestling Edson Barboza (2022) for three rounds, he also ran into Topuria (2022). It turned out to be an absolute humbling and first loss of his career ending in a second-round knockout. However, he returned back in September and pulled out another vintage unanimous decision over Dan Ige.
JOSH EMMETT VS BRYCE MITCHELL PREDICTION
Mitchel takes the fight on short notice, but this is a tough match-up for Emmett. He was preparing for a tall, rangy striker and now he will have to put up with a relentless wrestler.
Their striking does not compare, and Emmett will be ready to land his thunderous right hand. His uppercut will be corked for when Mitchell shoots in and he has the power to switch the lights off with one punch.
Emmett has become the underdog, so a knockout is worth a small punt. However, we expect Mitchell to swerve the power and eventually take Emmett down. Emmett is a strong wrestler himself and will be very hard to take down, but Mitchell will be relentless and suffocate him until the bell.
Prediction: Mitchell via Decision
Value bet: Emmett via KO/TKO
