Josh Emmett is 13-1 as a professional including a 4-1 record in the UFC. The featherweight will try to solidify his status as a contender in the division with an upset win over Jeremy Stephens in the main event of UFC on Fox 28 this Saturday.
Emmett is a +135 underdog in the fight at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. Since losing to Desmond Green back in April, Emmett bounced back with an impressive win over Felipe Arantes that included a round in which he knocked down his opponent four times in one round and followed that up with a first-round knockout over Ricardo Lamas.
Developing a dangerous striking game to go with his wrestling background has given Emmett the look of a fighter with a lot of potential.
Stephens (-165) has been with the UFC for 11 years, collecting a 14-13 record over that stretch. The featherweight has been inconsistent with five losses in his last nine bouts, but each of his last two fights have been wins and he appears to have turned a corner with his new coach Eric Del Fierro. The best thing working in Stephens’ favor in this fight is his endurance; if he can withstand Emmett’s early rush, his experience and conditioning should shine through in the championship rounds.
In the co-main event, Jessica Andrade is a -300 favorite on the UFC odds squaring off against Tecia Torres. Andrade is an elite strawweight that has won four of her last five fights, falling only to Joanna Jedrzejczyk over that stretch. Torres could provide some value as a +230 underdog in this one with a 10-1 record as a professional and three straight wins, but overcoming Andrade’s power and closing ability will be a tall task.
Other fights on the card include Ovince Saint Preux (-135) vs. Ilir Latifi (+105), Mike Perry (-360) vs. Max Griffin (+270) and Renan Barao (-160) vs. Brian Kelleher (+130). Since dropping three straight fights including his UFC 197 fight against Jon Jones, Saint Preux has responded with wins in each of his last three bouts in the octagon. Latifi figures to be a tough out with wins in four of his last five matches.
UFC Fight Night Betting Odds
Jeremy Stephens (-165) vs. Josh Emmett (+135)
Jessica Andrade (-300) vs. Tecia Torres (+230)
Ovince Saint Preux (-135) vs. Ilir Latifi (+105)
Mike Perry (-360) vs. Max Griffin (+270)
Renan Barao (-160) vs. Brian Kelleher (+130)
For more odds info, picks and a breakdown of this week’s top sports betting news check out the OddsShark podcast with Jon Campbell and Andrew Avery. Subscribe on iTunes, or check it out at OddsShark.libsyn.com.