Tomorrow night in the main event of UFC Austin, we are going to see a massive matchup in the featherweight division. Top seven contenders will battle it out as Calvin Kattar (23-5) takes on arguably the guy with the most power in the division Josh Emmett (17-2).
Entering UFC Austin, Emmett will be riding a four-fight winning streak that dates back to 2018. Overall, Emmett is 6-1 in his last seven fights. The last time we saw him was at UFC 269 when he took on Dan Ige.
It wasn’t the easiest fight in the world, but the big power shots paid off big time as Emmett won a decision. He’s been wanting a top contender and now the UFC is giving him what he wants in giving him Calvin Kattar.
Kattar was obliterated by Max Holloway in January of 2021. It was a performance that could have changed Kattar’s career forever in a negative sense. He took some time away and then returned to the UFC in January.
He took on the tough test of Giga Chikadze who was trying to fight for a title shot. Kattar did to Chikadze what Holloway did to him. It was a beautifully violent performance that showed the world that ‘The Boston Finisher’ is still one of the best at 145.
UFC Austin Prediction
I cannot wait for this main event and I think we are going to see a war on the feet. It’s going to be an extreme clash and styles as the pure boxing technique of Calvin Kattar meets the raw power of Josh Emmett.
For Emmett, he’s very fast and explosive. That’s why he’s known as one of the biggest punchers in the UFC regardless of weight class. I really think if he connects clean with anyone at 145, they are likely going down.
Calvin Kattar has some of the best boxing in the UFC. He utilizes range extremely well and he does a fantastic job of mixing up his combinations to throw off opponents. So, how is this fight going to go down?
Well, I really like Calvin Kattar in this matchup. I’m just not sure Emmett will be as effective with his power against someone with the technique of Calvin Kattar. I think Kattar is going to control distance very well and piece up Emmett throughout this fight.
Now, Emmett is a very live underdog. Anytime you have someone with that kind of power, it wouldn’t be the worst decision to throw some money on them. However, in analyzing this UFC Austin main event, I really like Calvin Kattar to get a mid-to late round stoppage.
Prediction: Calvin Kattar by TKO – Round 4