The final UFC event for 2023 has the MMA community hyped up. With a stacked main card and prelims, the promotion surely seems to go all-in. In the prelims, the headline would be featherweight Josh Emmett squaring off against Bryce Mitchell. The UFC 296 event will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada on December 16, 2023. Main cards are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, with the featherweight bout being the start of the main card.
Josh Emmett is currently the 6th-ranked featherweight in the division, making his third appearance of the year. Emmett made his debut at UFC Fight Night 87, winning via split decision against Jon Tuck. The Arizona Native has won eight out of his 12 fights, competing with fighters such as Michael Johnson, Yair Rodriguez, and Jeremy Stephens. His last fight was against current title contender Illia Topuria, whom he lost via unanimous decision at the UFC on ABC 5.
Bryce Mitchell steps in on short notice to fight Josh Emmett at UFC 296 after Giga Chikadze was forced to withdraw 🔥
We have another incredible fight on our hands!🤯 pic.twitter.com/tonD7iTqfQ
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) December 7, 2023
Bryce Mitchell, made his UFC debut at the TUF Season 27 finale against Tyler Diamond, winning via majority decision. The featherweight went on to win six of his seven UFC fights and is currently ranked No. 10 in the division. His last bout was a decision win against Dan Ige at UFC Vegas 79. Mitchell stepped up on short notice for the bout after Giga Chikadze was injured.
UFC 296: Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell stats
Stats | Josh Emmett | Bryce Mitchell |
Wins | 18 | 16 |
Losses | 4 | 2 |
Height | 5’6″ | 5’9″ |
Division | Featherweight | Featherweight |
Reach | 70″ | 70″ |
Age | 38 | 29 |
Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell: Fight breakdown and prediction
Josh Emmett has an MMA record of 18 wins and 4 losses, with six of his wins coming by knockout and two by submission. Known for his explosive power, the Arizona native holds the record for most knockdowns in the UFC featherweight division. With two losses in 2023, he would be looking to gain some momentum to get back into the title picture. He has only been knocked out and submitted once in his career.
His opponent, Bryce Mitchell, holds a record of 16 wins and 2 losses. Not surprisingly, being a known grappler, nine of his wins have come out of submission. The featherweight has never lost via knockout and has been submitted once in his career. With only one loss in the UFC, Bryce would be looking to maintain his run and enter the top five rankings.
As per UFC stats, Josh has an average strike rate of 4.07 per minute, with 4.66 strikes absorbed. Bryce has a similar striking average of 2.34, with 1.64 strikes absorbed. Emmett averages a takedown of 0.92, while his opponent averages 3.51. Josh has recorded submission attempts near to none, and this fight can be expected to be more towards striking, ground, and pound.
With an average of 1.6 submission attempts and high-end takedowns, the grappler does hold an advantage in terms of ground game and wrestling. Also coming off a victory and having a more efficient fight IQ, Bryce might win this fight. Closing the distance for takedowns and submissions will be key to his victory.