Farah Hannoun: Either Zabit Magomedsharipov or Yair Rodriguez
Emmett is tired of having to fight guys behind him and I agree with him. Not only has Emmett been winning, he’s been doing it in impressive fashion, which makes him one of the more underrated featherweights in the division.
With Zabit Magomedsharipov and Yair Rodriguez expected to square off, I like Emmett vs. the winner. In the other 145 contenders’ fight of note, it’s projected to be Chan Sung Jung vs. Brian Ortega, which will likely, in my opinion, produce the next title challenger. That all depends on who comes out victorious from both the title fight and other matchups of course, but should the winner of Magomedsharipov and Rodriguez not get a title shot, I like Emmett vs. the winner.
Magomedsharipov is undeniably skilled, but has yet to wow us like we know he can. His decision win over Kattar left a lot of unanswered questions and if he’s matched up with Rodriguez, it should be a main event. Emmett will push Magomedsharipov’s gas tank with his constant pressure and power, which would be a good test for both.
Rodriguez is a bonus-producing machine which would make a matchup with Emmett very exciting. Rodriguez moves and evades well but is a risk taker, making for a wild affair with Emmett.
Both guys would definitely be a step up for Emmett but that’s the point. He wants that next step challenge and both guys would provide that for the knockout artist.
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