Josh Emmett vs Kevin Vallejos Preview & Picks – Back Vallejos For UFC Fight Night Success

leigh-copson
2 hours ago
Leigh Copson 2 hours ago
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  • Josh Emmett vs Kevin Vallejos picks for Saturday, March 14
  • UFC Fight Night is taking place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas
  • Preview, predictions, stats & form
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Josh Emmett vs Kevin Vallejos Preview & Picks

Kevin Vallejos is backed to win this main event fight at the UFC APEX.

Vallejos throws at a higher volume and with more accuracy, so as long as he can dictate distance, control the pace and avoid Josh Emmett’s power, he can take this on points.

  • Kevin Vallejos is on a 6-fight win streak
  • Josh Emmett has lost 4 of his last 5 fights
  • Kevin Vallejos has 11% better striking accuracy
  • Kevin Vallejos lands 5.78 strikes per minute (Emmett 3.72)

Josh Emmett Form

Josh Emmett is the number 11 ranked contender in the featherweight division, with a career record of 19-6 (7 KOs, 2 Subs).

Emmett debuted in the UFC back in May 2016 and made a solid start to his career inside the Octagon as he won four of his first six fights for the promotion.

It was between March 2019 and June 2022 where he really made an impression though, reeling off five consecutive victories to earn himself an interim featherweight title shot in February 2023.

The 41-year-old American knocked out Michael Johnson and Mirsad Bektic, before reeling off decision wins against Shane Burgos, Dan Ige and Calvin Kattar.

Emmett failed to make it seven-in-a-row and claim the belt though, as he was tapped out in the second round by Yair Rodriguez.

That was followed by a unanimous decision defeat to Ilia Topuria, but he at least ended 2023 on a positive note as he knocked out Bryce Mitchell in 117 seconds.

The American has not lost since though, as he dropped a unanimous decision to Lerone Murphy last April, before suffering a first-round submission loss to Youssef Zala in October.

Kevin Vallejos Form

Kevin Vallejos is the number 14 ranked featherweight contender with a professional record of 17-1 (11 KOs, 2 Subs).

Vallejos earned himself a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series by compiling an 11-0 record on the minor scene, but he failed to take his opportunity as he lost a unanimous decision to Jean Silva.

He put that behind him by returning to the minor leagues to record back-to-back wins, and when he got his second shot at the DWCS he took his chance.

The 24-year-old Argentinian knocked out Cam Teague in the first round, securing himself a UFC contract.

Vallejos then stepped inside the Octagon three times last year, surging into the featherweight rankings by winning each of those fights.

‘El Chino’ marked his UFC debut with a 189-second knockout of Choi Seung-Woo in March, and followed that up in August with a unanimous decision victory over Danny Silva.

He then made it three-in-a-row inside the Octagon last December as he knocked out Giga Chikadze in the second round.

Verdict

Josh Emmett boasts a significant experience advantage, but he is clearly past his peak at this point.

Kevin Vallejos is a high volume striker who throws with good accuracy, and he can outpoint Emmett over five rounds to record the biggest win of his career so far.

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