Adam Williams presents his prediction for the UFC Fight Night 269 bout.
Josh Emmett
Josh understands that crashing into close range in his usual fashion would be risky here. That is why he is likely to keep a high guard and work at short range with compact combinations to the head and body.
Emmett will slip his opponent’s kick and look to catch him with a heavy hook. If things do not go to plan in the striking, the American may try to distract Kevin with an overhand and then complete a takedown.
On the ground, Josh is unlikely to chase the finish and will instead try to drain his opponent’s gas tank as much as possible.
Kevin Vallejos
Kevin will be hunting for the finish. He is expected to throw plenty of powerful head kicks at Emmett whenever Josh dips and attempts to close the distance. At the same time, Vallejos is unlikely to get drawn into unnecessary exchanges, at least early in the fight.
With low kicks and single punches, the young fighter will try to test his opponent’s reactions. If Josh eats a sharp jab, Kevin will probably follow up with a couple of overhands over the top.
Vallejos will always keep defence in mind and will likely allow Emmett to take the centre of the Octagon.
Betting Odds
Bookmakers believe Kevin will deliver another knockout, or at the very least outgun his older opponent on the feet. Vallejos is priced at 1.18 to win.
Josh is now 41, so against a prospect like Kevin he was never likely to open as the favourite. Emmett is available at 4.70 for the win.
Josh Emmett vs Kevin Vallejos Prediction
Emmett and Vallejos both favour explosive offence, so a knockout could arrive at any moment in this fight. Josh is not known as a natural finisher, but against a young fighter like this he will either have to knock him out himself or become another green mark on his opponent’s record.
Kevin knows how to put opponents away, and right now, he clearly has the edge in speed over the American. He should have every chance to end the contest inside the first half of the fight.
If Vallejos makes a mistake, though, Emmett will not waste the opportunity to take over. We should be in for tense moments from the opening round, so it is difficult to see this one reaching the championship stages.
