With UFC 275 in the rearview mirror, the MMA attention now shifts to UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs. Emmett at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. While there aren’t any belts on the line, there are a few fights that are worth paying attention too where bettors might find some extra value. Let’s take a closer look.
Bet on the UFC at BetAnySports and get a 55% new user sign up bonus!
Calvin Kattar vs. Josh Emmett
Odds: Kattar -235
The main event of the night will see Calvin Kattar take on Josh Emmett. These two featherweight fighters are hoping to inch further up the standings for their own shot at a title fight.
Kattar, who is No. 4 in the division rankings, took an entire year off after losing to Max Holloway in early 2021. His first fight since that break came up a few months ago, winning by unanimous decision over Giga Chikadze. He has taken on very talented fighters over the years and remains towards the top of the rankings despite that. Still, he’s come close but hasn’t had a shot at the title. A win here might put him right there.
As for his opponent, Emmett, he is coming into just his second UFC main event and the last time ended with him getting knocked out. Emmett has won four straight fights coming into this one and looks stronger than ever. He’s 37, though, and nine of his 17 wins are by decision, so he’s not the sexiest fighter to bet on. Don’t be surprise if Kattar dominates him as expected.
Pick: Kattar
Tim Means vs. Kevin Holland
Odds: Holland -270
Tim Means went through a rough patch, winning just three out of his nine fights. Many figured he might be at the end of his UFC career but he’s had a huge turnaround, winning three straight since. Bettors will be careful with him here, though, as he’s just 12-7 in his career.
Meanwhile, Kevin Holland seriously struggled in 2021, stumping his growth after a phenomenal 2020 campaign. He had five wins in seven months back then but in 2021, he saw him drop multiple fights along with a no contest.
With Holland, nobody has ever questioned the talent. The question is how motivated will he be? He sometimes takes fights off or acts too arrogant. This is a spot where he’s set up for a win against a 38-year-old Means – as long as he brings a good effort.
Pick: Holland
Joaquin Buckley vs. Albert Duraev
Odds: Duraev -210
Joaquin Buckley is not a fighter that tends to need the full allotment of time. In his 14 wins, 10 have come via knockout. While his most recent fight went to the judges’ scorecards, his previous seven had ended with knockout.
Duraev only has one UFC fight to his name, which saw him struggle to take down Roman Kopylov back in October, although he collected a decision victory. He’s now won 10 straight and the oddsmakers at BetAnySports expect him to win again.
Buckley has incredible power but Duraev has more tools to work with. As long as he avoids the knockout, he should be able to find his way to a win here.
If you’re looking for a value play, bet his fight to NOT go the distance. Rarely to Buckley fights make it there.
Pick: Fight NOT To Go Distance
