UFC Fight Night 173 Odds: Emmett vs. Burgos Prediction

Shane Burgos is ranked lower than Josh Emmett, but is actually the favourite to win at -155, while Emmett sits at +125.

UFC Fight Night 173 Vegas 3: Emmett vs. Burgos

The No. 8 ranked flyweight fighter, Josh Emmett, is a volume puncher on his feet. He only lands 36 per cent of his punches, but he possesses knockout power, with his last three fights ending by KO/TKO.  His 15-2 MMA record includes a 6-2 record in the UFC.

While Emmett is comfortable on his feet, he is also not afraid of the ground-game. He was a collegiate wrestler and has two career finishes by submission, averaging 1.5 takedowns per 15 minutes. The 35-year-old fighter likes to use patience to his advantage and lull his opponents into a false sense of security, before striking.

Shane Burgos’ TKO over Makwan Amirkhani in November, vaulted him into the Top 10. He has a dominant 13-1 MMA record, going 6-1 in the UFC and will be looking for a title shot soon, as the No. 10 ranked featherweight.

Burgos tends to gravitate toward body punches and boasts a high average of 7.09 strikes landed per minute. He is usually more comfortable in the pocket and can do some damage when he is in a firefight exchange.

The physical edge belongs to Burgos, as he is five inches taller than Emmett and has a 5.5-inch longer reach. Burgos defends 90 per cent of opponent’s takedown attempts, making a lot of ground action in this fight, unlikely.

A win for either fighter likely means a high-profile next fight with potential for a title shot in the near future. Losing shouldn’t damage their ranking too much, but you can bet both fighters are ready for the toughest opponents in an already tough division.

UFC Vegas 3 Predictions: Emmett vs. Burgos

This is a featherweight fight with a lot of knockout potential. Burgos’ size and ability give him the edge. Expect a Burgos knockout.