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Featherweights

NR | Jamall Emmers (18-5, 1-1 UFC) vs. NR | Pat Sabatini (14-3, 1-0 UFC)

ODDS: Emmers (-152), Sabatini (+132)

Solid veterans each look for their second UFC victory in this pairing. Emmers was on the verge of a UFC callup for a few years, so it is not a surprise that he turned into a well-rounded fighter by the time the promotion finally brought him in. Initially a wrestler, “Pretty Boy” eventually built out a solid striking game with some decent power, turning him into a tough out who can hold his own just about anywhere. However, there is the feeling that Emmers’ evolution may have smoothed out some of the positives of his game, as well. For a solid athlete who can do a little bit of everything, Emmers is often content to have a slow-paced fight that he can often control but usually leaves one wanting more. Still, Emmers nearly got what would have been a big win in retrospect in that UFC debut by taking Giga Chikadze to a split decision, and after a one-sided win over Vince Cachero a year ago, he seems well-positioned to hang on the UFC roster for years to come. He will take on Sabatini, who is thought of as a bit more of a high-upside prospect but has his own solid resume on the regional scene. Sabatini has some knockout power, but his approach mostly centers around his wrestling and grappling. Given the advantage, he will keep pressing those parts of his game without much in the way of second thought. That got him a one-sided win against Tristan Connelly in his UFC debut in April, but Emmers figures to be a stouter test, both in terms of physical strength and the fact that he is a skilled wrestler in his own right. Emmers can be so passive that it is difficult to have much confidence in him getting a win, but he should be able to neutralize Sabatini and cause some damage as the former Cage Fury Fighting Championships titleholder continues to try and lock horns. This is a well-matched fight that could be contentious if it goes to the scorecards, but the pick is Emmers via decision.

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