Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell 12/16/23 – UFC 296 returns to Las Vegas on December 16th with an exciting card of MMA matchups to watch. In one highly-anticipated featherweight bout, Josh Emmett faces Bryce Mitchell (who boasts an 18-4 record and 16-2 overall record respectively). Here we provide a deep analysis into their past performances, striking and grappling stats, overall fight strategies as well as what to expect in this highly anticipated fight.
Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Josh “CC0” Emmett Analysis
Josh Emmett is a seasoned veteran and powerful striker. He’s earned an 18-4 record, with his last four wins coming via knockout. Emmett averages over 4 significant strikes landed per minute with strong 36% accuracy. His knockout power stems from a dangerous overhand right and solid left hook. While primarily a striker, Emmett does have decent wrestling, securing nearly 1 takedown per round. He uses his wrestling more for defensive purposes, working to keep fights standing to utilize his striking. Emmett’s takedown defense sits at 46%.
Emmett’s last fight, a loss to Topuria, revealed some vulnerabilities in his game, particularly against technically sound strikers. With dynamite in both hands, Emmett remains one of the division’s biggest power threats. His best route to victory relies on stuffing Mitchell’s grappling attacks whilewaiting patiently to land fight-altering shots. Emmett has suffered two submission losses before, so he must avoid getting too reckless offensively while showcasing intelligent fight IQ and takedown defense.
Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell Analysis
Bryce Mitchell is a rising contender to watch at 145 pounds. Mitchell burst onto the UFC scene in 2018 with a rare twister submission, earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. Since then, “Thug Nasty” has continued showing marked improvements across all martial arts disciplines. Mitchell is currently riding a five-fight unbeaten streak inside the octagon. A slick grappler, Mitchell attempts over 3 takedowns per round, completing them at a 41% rate. His wrestling shows great tenacity and persistence to secure takedowns against the fence and in open space. Once on the mat, Mitchell is exceptionally aggressive, unleashing nasty ground and pound while hunting for submissions. So far in his UFC campaign, Mitchell has earned a 60% submission finish rate. His well-rounded submission arsenal includes twisters, armbars, triangles and more.
Beyond his grappling, Mitchell has developed a formidable striking approach built upon stellar cardio, pace and work rate advantages compared to most opponents.. While standing, Mitchell targets leg kicks to chop down opponents, while mixing in reactive takedowns when exchanges get too heated. This balanced attack has allowed Mitchellto vastly improve his overall striking defense up to 58% while absorbing under 2 strikes per minute.
In his most recent fight, Mitchell utilized his enhanced MMA skills to defeat Ige by unanimous decision. Facing Emmett’s knockout power this weekend, Mitchell must avoid reckless exchanges while working to close distance. With high level black belts in both judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Mitchell has the pedigree to control Emmett on the floor. However, he must stay defensively responsible against Emmett’s fight-altering punching power while hunting for safe takedown entries.
Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell Stats
| Emmett | Mitchell | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 18-4-0 | 16-2-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 13:47 | 12:49 |
| Height | 5′ 6″ | 5′ 10″ |
| Weight | 145 lbs. | 145 lbs. |
| Reach | 70″ | 70″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.07 | 2.34 |
| Striking Accuracy | 36% | 58% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 4.66 | 1.64 |
| Defense | 61% | 58% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.92 | 3.51 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 37% | 41% |
| Takedown Defense | 46% | 33% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.1 | 1.6 |
Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell Betting Pick
Bryce Mitchell seems like the better pick given their respective styles and strengths in this matchup, given his superior grappling and submission skills combined with efficient striking. If Mitchell can successfully take this fight to the ground he could gain the edge against Emmett, as his striking power poses a considerable threat that Mitchell’s ground control might help neutralize effectively.
Free Pick: Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell -166
Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296 is set to be an entertaining featherweight bout, pitting Emmett’s striking power against Mitchell’s grappling dominance. Based on analysis and premium handicapper reviews, Bryce Mitchell seems like the favorite due to his grappling advantage and ability to control pace of fights; however, due to the unpredictable nature of MMA it cannot be discounted that Josh Emmett may strike hard and provide an unexpected upset result; making this fight both tactical and engaging as it offers true test of skill vs strategy at UFC featherweight division!