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Tag: Josh Emmett

  • “Big Problem At 145” – Kevin Vallejos Stops Josh Emmett

    “Big Problem At 145” – Kevin Vallejos Stops Josh Emmett

    Kevin Vallejos may be the real deal, putting an exclamation mark on that claim by putting away Josh Emmett in just one round in the main event of UFC Vegas 114.

    Emmett stayed on the outside and flashed his power, but Vallejos managed to get in and avoid most of Emmett’s power attacks. Vallejos was even able to land an elbow and cut Emmett early in the first.

    The two threw hooks simultaneously, and the right hand of Vallejos cracked Emmett. Vallejos then overwhelmed Emmett with striking on the ground and against the fence. Emmett was off balance, and Vallejos dropped Emmett again to finish the fight in the first.

    Kevin Vallejos Quickly Puts Away Josh Emmett At UFC Vegas 114

    Vallejos is now 18-1 in MMA, with his sole loss coming against Jean Silva. Vallejos is 4-0 in the UFC since winning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series, coming into this bout off a highlight knockout of Giga Chikadze.

    Emmett has now lost five of the six fights he’s had since 2023. His sole win in that span was his knockout of Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296.

  • UFC Vegas 114 Results: Emmett vs Vallejos Live Updates & Highlights

    UFC Vegas 114 results and highlights are updated live as the action unfolds from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event will feature a featherweight bout between Josh Emmett and Kevin Vallejos. MMANews has you covered with all the results and highlights!

    Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos – Featherweight Main Event

    Emmett comes into this bout with losses in four of his last five fights, a stretch that goes back to his interim featherweight title loss to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 284. That loss snapped a five-fight win streak that stretched back to 2019.

    Emmett’s losses in this span have come against Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy, and Youssef Zalal. His sole win in his last five was his highlight knockout of Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296.

    Vallejos is 17-1 as a fighter, with his sole loss coming against Jean Silva in September 2023. Vallejos earned a UFC contract with his finish of Cam Teague on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2024. He fought three times in 2025, finishing Seung-woo Choi, scoring a decision over Danny Silva, and knocking out Giga Chikadze.

    The co-main event will feature a battle of top-10 strawweight contenders as Amanda Lemos takes on Gillian Robertson.

    Lemos is 2-3 since falling short in a title fight with Weili Zhang at UFC 292. She most recently came up short against Tatiana Suarez at Noche UFC 3.

    Robertson has won six of her last seven, including a current 5-1 stretch since moving down to strawweight. Robertson is currently riding a four-fight win streak, most recently stopping Marina Rodriguez at UFC Des Moines last May.

    If you can’t watch the action, check here for all the latest results and highlights from UFC Vegas 114!

    How to Watch UFC Vegas 114

    • Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
    • Venue: Meta Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
    • Streaming: Paramount+ (exclusive)
    • Prelims: 5 PM ET / 2 PM PT
    • Main Card: 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT

    UFC Vegas 114 Quick Results

    • Main Event: Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos — Vallejos def. Emmett via TKO (Rd. 1, 3:33)
    • Co-Main Event: Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson — Robertson def. Lemos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
    • Andre Fili vs. Jose Delgado — Delgado def. Fili via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)
    • Marwan Rahiki vs. Harry Hardwick — Rahiki def. Hardwick via TKO (retirement) (R2, 5:00)
    • Ion Cutelaba vs. Oumar Sy — Cutelaba def. Sy via submission (guillotine) (R1, 4:24)
    • Charles Johnson vs. Bruno Silva — Johnson def. Silva via unanimous decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

    UFC Vegas 114 Results & Highlights

    Preliminary Card (Paramount+, 5 PM ET)

    Women’s Strawweight: Piera Rodriguez vs. Sam Hughes

    Result: Piera Rodrigurz def. Sam Hughes via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Bantamweight: Luan Lacerda vs. Hecher Sosa

    Result: Hecher Sosa def. Luan Lacerda via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

    Women’s Bantamweight: Bia Mesquita vs. Montserrat Rendon

    Result: Bia Mesquita def. Montserrat Rendon via submission (rear-naked choke) (R1, 2:07)

    Middleweight: Brad Tavares vs. Eryk Anders

    Result: Eryk Anders def. Brad Tavares via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

    Lightweight: Bolaji Oki vs. Manoel Sousa

    Result: Manoel Sousa def. Bolaji Oki via KO (Rd. 3, 4:12)

    Bantamweight: Elijah Smith vs. You SuYoung

    Result: Elijah Smith def. You SuYoung via submission (rear-naked choke) (Rd. 2, 1:04)

    Heavyweight: Vitor Petrino vs. Steven Asplund

    Result: Vitor Petrino def. Steven Asplund via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Welterweight: Chris Curtis vs. Myktybek Orolbai

    Result: Myktybek Orolbai def. Chris Curtis via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

    Main Card (Paramount+, 8 PM ET)

    Flyweight: Charles Johnson vs. Bruno Silva

    Result: Charles Johnson def. Bruno Silva via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

    Light Heavyweight: Ion Cutelaba vs. Oumar Sy

    Result: Ion Cutelaba def. Oumar Sy via submission (guillotine) (R1, 4:24)

    Featherweight: Marwan Rahiki vs. Harry Hardwick

    Result: Marwan Rahiki def. Harry Hardwick via TKO (retirement) (R2, 5:00)

    Featherweight: Andre Fili vs. Jose Miguel Delgado

    Result: Jose Miguel Delgado def. Andre Fili via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29)

    Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Gillian Robertson

    Result: Gillian Robertson def. Amanda Lemos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

    Featherweight: Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos

    Result: Kevin Vallejos def. Josh Emmett via TKO (Rd. 1, 3:33)

  • Josh Emmett Vs. Kevin Vallejos Set To Headline UFC Vegas 114 In March

    Josh Emmett Vs. Kevin Vallejos Set To Headline UFC Vegas 114 In March

    After pulling off a finish in what was the biggest fight of his life, Kevin Vallejos has now earned his first UFC main event opportunity.

    Vallejos is scheduled to meet UFC veteran and former interim featherweight title challenger Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 114 on 14.

    Emmett confirmed the news on his social media.

    Josh Emmett vs. Kevin Vallejos To Headline UFC Vegas 114

    For Emmett, this fight presents the opportunity of a needed rebound. Emmett has lost four of his last five, stemming back from his interim title fight loss against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 284. Emmett’s losses in that span have come against Rodriguez, Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy, and Youssef Zalal.

    Emmett’s sole win in that time period was his highlight knockout of Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296.

    Vallejos is 3-0 in the Octagon since earning a contract by knocking out Cam Teague on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. Last year, Vallejos put away Seung Woo Choi, earned a decision over Danny Silva, and finished Giga Chikadze.

    UFC Vegas 114 takes place on March 14 from the UFC Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  • “Zalal Is A Monster” – Fans & Fighters React To Youssef Zalal’s Lightning Quick Submission Win Over Josh Emmett At UFC 320

    “Zalal Is A Monster” – Fans & Fighters React To Youssef Zalal’s Lightning Quick Submission Win Over Josh Emmett At UFC 320

    Youssef Zalal has now scored perhaps the biggest and most impressive win of his UFC career, needing just 98 seconds to put away former interim title challenger Josh Emmett at UFC 320.

    Emmett attempted to pressure and flash his power, but Zalal showed off his speed and managed to score a quick takedown in on Emmett. Zalal quickly worked his way to wrap himself up on Emmett. Zalal transitioned quickly into an armbar, locking it in and scoring a verbal submission victory.

    Youssef Zalal Scores Verbal Submission Of Josh Emmett At UFC 320

    Zalal, who is currently in his second UFC run, now sees his win streak increase to eight. Before tonight, he most recently defeating Calvin Kattar in February.

    Emmett now has four losses in his last five fights.

  • Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal Booked For UFC 320 Main Card

    Josh Emmett vs. Youssef Zalal Booked For UFC 320 Main Card

    A key top-10 featherweight matchup has been made official for UFC 320, as Josh Emmett will take on Youssef Zalal.

    The UFC announced the news during the UFC Shanghai broadcast, confirming that the bout will take place during the pay-per-view’s main card.

    Emmett and Zalal are currently ranked No. 8 and 9, respectively, in the UFC featherweight rankings as of UFC Shanghai.

    Josh Emmett To Meet Youssef Zalal At UFC 320

    Emmett has lost three of his last four. After over a year away from the Octagon, Emmett returned at UFC Vegas 105 in April, dropping a decision to potential future title challenger Lerone Murphy.

    Zalal has won his last seven straight and is a perfect 4-0 since returning to the UFC last year.

    UFC 320 is headlined by a light heavyweight title rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira and Merab Dvalshvili defending the bantamweight championship against Cory Sandhagen.

  • UFC Rankings Report: Lerone Murphy Climbs After Staying Undefeated

    UFC Rankings Report: Lerone Murphy Climbs After Staying Undefeated

    In the aftermath of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night at the Apex in Las Vegas, MMA News has you covered with this week’s updates to the official UFC rankings.

    Men’s Pound-For-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Pound-for-Pound: No changes.

    Women’s Strawweight: No changes.

    Women’s Flyweight: No changes.

    Women’s Bantamweight: No changes.

    Flyweight: No changes.

    Bantamweight: No changes.

    Featherweight: As expected, Lerone Murphy’s victory over Josh Emmett in this past weekend’s main event has seen him climb further into the top 10. “The Miracle” has risen by two positions, leaving him at #8 and the defeated Emmett down at #10.

    Lightweight: No changes.

    Welterweight: No changes.

    Middleweight: No changes

    Light Heavyweight: No changes.

    Heavyweight: No changes

    You can view the full updated UFC rankings here.

  • Lerone Murphy Insists ‘Real MMA Fans’ Appreciated His Win Over Josh Emmett

    Lerone Murphy Insists ‘Real MMA Fans’ Appreciated His Win Over Josh Emmett

    UFC featherweight contender Lerone Murphy isn’t entertaining any criticism of his headline victory on Saturday night.

    Murphy remained undefeated as a professional at this weekend’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex. The Mancunian recorded his biggest win to date in the main event by outpointing longtime top 10 mainstay Josh Emmett.

    With the result, “The Miracle” has notched consecutive victories over Emmett, Dan Ige, and Edson Barboza. With that, he’s no doubt expecting a climb further up the 145-pound ladder come next week’s rankings update.

    But when it comes to his desired push into the title picture, some have suggested that the manner of his wins and lack of finishes will slow down Murphy’s surge toward the gold.

    The man himself, though, doesn’t appear worried, believing that “real MMA fans” will have appreciated the technical display he put on in Las Vegas.

    “Clinic! Real MMA fans will appreciate the technicality of that fight,” Lerone Murphy wrote on X. “That’s fight IQ. Punishing elbows in close, body kicks, neat footwork. Had him hurt a few times. Why would I stay in the pocket with a power puncher. Float like a butterfly sting like a (bee) baby”

    It remains to be seen what comes next for Lerone Murphy. He did have a name in mind post-fight, calling out former two-time title challenger Brian Ortega.

  • Lerone Murphy Stays Undefeated With Decision Win Over Josh Emmett At UFC Vegas 105

    Lerone Murphy Stays Undefeated With Decision Win Over Josh Emmett At UFC Vegas 105

    Lerone Murphy will be looking for his next fight to make a statement toward featherweight contendership after defeating former interim title challenger Josh Emmett in the main event of UFC Vegas 105.

    The opening round proved to be a competitive one. Murphy looked to use leg kicks to take out Emmett’s power and connected with several notable shots. Emmett, however, did put his power on display, connecting hard on a few exchanges during the frame.

    Emmett then scored a massive slam early in the second round before nearly locking in a guillotine. Murphy escaped to the feet, but Emmett kept control, pinning the British fighter against the fence. Murphy escaped Emmett’s grasp with less than two minutes left in the round, looking to pressure and be the aggressor for the rest of the round, finding success with the upper hand in striking.

    Lerone Murphy Outworks Josh Emmett In Competitive Outing, Earns Decision

    The third round proved to be a toss-up, with Emmett looking for takedowns and Murphy continuing to work his combinations and leg kicks. After another back-and-forth striking battle in round four, round five saw Emmett seem to get the upper hand in terms of striking output. Murphy, however, landed a stunning shot on Emmett, and he ultimately took the decision on all three judges’ cards.

    This was Emmett’s first appearance in the Octagon since his knockout of Bryce Mitchell — one of the top knockouts of 2023 — at UFC 296. He’s lost three of his last four, beginning with a loss in an interim featherweight title fight against Yair Rodriguez.

    Murphy improves to 16-0-1, having won every fight since earning a draw in his UFC debut. Murphy’s last three wins have now come against notable names in Emmett, Dan Ige and Edson Barboza.

  • UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Lerone Murphy Outpoints Josh Emmett

    UFC Fight Night Results & Highlights: Lerone Murphy Outpoints Josh Emmett

    The latest UFC Fight Night took place Saturday in Las Vegas, and MMA News has you covered with all of the action!

    Before turning its attention to pay-per-view fights in Miami next weekend, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion had one final piece of business to attend to at the Apex.

    And headlining inside the low-capacity venue on April 5 were a pair of top 10 featherweight contenders in Josh Emmett and Lerone Murphy, the latter of whom advanced his title ambitions with a main event triumph.

    With tonight’s event concluded, see below for the live results, followed by all the highlights as they come.

    UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Murphy Results & Highlights

    Main Card):

    • Featherweight Main Event: Lerone Murphy def. Josh Emmett via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
    • Featherweight: Pat Sabatini def. Joanderson Brito (30-26, 30-26, 30-27)
    • Bantamweight: ChangHo Lee def. Cortavious Romious via TKO (punches): R2, 3:48
    • Middleweight: Brad Tavares def. Gerald Meerschaert via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Flyweight: Ode’ Osbourne def. Luis Gurule via TKO (punches): R2, 1:54
    • Middleweight: Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via unanimous decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Women’s Flyweight: Dione Barbosa def. Diane Belbiţă via submission (triangle choke): R1, 4:13
    • Welterweight: Rhys McKee def. Daniel Frunza via TKO (doctor’s stoppage): R1, 5:00
    • Women’s Strawweight: Loma Lookboonmee def. Istela Nunes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Bantamweight: Victor Henry def. Pedro Falcao via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Heavyweight: Martin Buday def. Uran Satybaldiev via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
    • Women’s Strawweight: Talita Alencar def. Vanessa Demopoulos via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
  • UFC Vegas 105 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy Card

    UFC Vegas 105 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy Card

    UFC Vegas 105 is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for this weekend’s lineup.

    The upcoming event takes place Saturday, April 5, at the Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card begins at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.

    Topping the lineup will be a pair of top 10 featherweight contenders in powerhouse Josh Emmett and the undefeated Lerone Murphy.

    And also making the walk on Saturday will be the likes of Joanderson Brito, Brad Tavares, Torrez Finney, Davey Grant, and Rhys McKee.

    UFC Vegas 105: Emmett vs. Murphy Betting Odds

    Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC Vegas 105 (as of 4/4), courtesy of DraftKings.

    Main Card:

    • Josh Emmett (+260) vs. Lerone Murphy (-325)
    • Pat Sabatini (+190) vs. Joanderson Brito (-230)
    • Cortavious Romious (+110) vs. ChangHo Lee (-130)
    • Brad Tavares (-198) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (+164)
    • Ode’ Osbourne (+200) vs. Luis Gurule (-245)
    • Torrez Finney (-298) vs. Robert Valentin (+240)

    Preliminary Card:

    • Davey Grant (+120) vs. Daniel Santos (-142)
    • Diane Belbiţă (+650) vs. Dione Barbosa (-1000)
    • Rhys McKee (+130) vs. Daniel Frunza (-155)
    • Loma Lookboonmee (-700) vs. Istela Nunes (+500)
    • Victor Henry (-205) vs. Pedro Falcao (+170)
    • Martin Buday vs. Uran Satybaldiev
    • Vanessa Demopoulos (-108) vs. Talita Alencar (-112)
  • MMA News: Emmett Returns at UFC Vegas 105, PFL Kicks Off, Volk-Lopes

    MMA News: Emmett Returns at UFC Vegas 105, PFL Kicks Off, Volk-Lopes

    Good morning, fight fans, here is a rundown of the most significant developments that have unfolded in the past 24 hours. From upcoming title fights to fighter comebacks and event cancellations, there’s plenty happening across the MMA landscape today.

    Let’s dive into the top stories today, Thursday, April 3, 2025:

    1. Josh Emmett Returns to Headline UFC Vegas 105 This Weekend

    After a significant 15-month absence from the octagon, featherweight contender Josh Emmett is making his long-awaited return this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 105. The #8 ranked featherweight will headline against undefeated British prospect Lerone Murphy (#10) in what could potentially position the winner for a title opportunity in the division.

    Emmett has reportedly used his time away to focus on personal and professional development, and now feels ready to showcase his best form in this crucial matchup. With the featherweight title currently vacant, this fight carries even more significance as both fighters look to make their case for championship contention.

    2. PFL Kicks Off 2025 Season Today with Welterweight and Featherweight Action

    The Professional Fighters League launches its 2025 regular season today, April 3rd, featuring a new divisional tournament format for its welterweight and featherweight competitors. Former Bellator champion Jason Jackson faces veteran Andrey Koreshkov in the night’s main event, highlighting the organization’s continued growth as a premier destination for top-tier mixed martial arts talent.

    This season opener marks an important step in PFL’s ongoing evolution as a legitimate alternative to the UFC, bringing tournament-style competition back to mainstream MMA.

    3. Volkanovski vs. Lopes for Vacant Featherweight Title Set for UFC 314

    Former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will have his opportunity to reclaim UFC gold when he faces surging contender Diego Lopes for the vacant 145-pound title at UFC 314 on April 12th. The championship was vacated by Ilia Topuria, setting up this highly anticipated showdown to determine the division’s new ruler.

    This matchup presents an intriguing stylistic clash between Volkanovski’s technical precision and championship experience against Lopes’ explosive offensive arsenal.

    4. Sydney MMA Event Canceled Due to Security Concerns

    In a concerning development from Australia, an MMA event scheduled to take place in Sydney has been canceled due to serious security concerns. Reports indicate that fears over a potential “gangland hit” targeting a former UFC fighter contributed to the decision to halt the event.

    5. O’Malley Makes Lifestyle Changes Ahead of Dvalishvili Rematch

    UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley has publicly committed to performing at his “full potential” in his upcoming rematch against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 316 later this year. The colorful champion has reportedly implemented significant lifestyle changes in preparation, including reducing social media usage and eliminating marijuana consumption to maintain complete focus on defending his title.

    After a challenging first encounter with the Georgian contender, O’Malley appears determined to make the necessary adjustments to retain his 135-pound championship.

    That wraps up today’s MMA News morning report. Stay tuned for continued coverage of these developing stories and all the latest UFC news as we approach an action-packed weekend of fights.

  • Josh Emmett Sends Advice To Fans After Seeing Betting Odds For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event

    Josh Emmett Sends Advice To Fans After Seeing Betting Odds For UFC Vegas 105 Main Event

    UFC featherweight contender Josh Emmett is expecting to make a mockery of his underdog status in this weekend’s main event.

    Emmett is set to return from a 16-month layoff at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night inside the Apex, having not competed since his sickening knockout of Bryce Mitchell in December 2023.

    In his bid to regain momentum after that memorable result, the 40-year-old is tasked with stalling the rise of undefeated up-and-comer Lerone Murphy in the headline spot on April 5.

    Successfully doing so would see Emmett upset the odds. As pointed out to him at UFC Vegas 105 media day on Wednesday, the betting line currently has the veteran at +275.

    “The people that are betting, they love it when I’m a huge underdog,” Josh Emmett said. “What, +275? Bet the house.”

    The root of Emmett’s confidence? The belief that his already obscene power has only increased during his time away.

    “Over the last 14 months, we’ve been working on my power,” he said. “I promise you I’m so much more powerful than I was, so wait till that right hand connects.”

    The addition of even more power to Emmett’s dynamite hands is a scary prospect for the featherweight division and, in particular, Murphy.

    “The Miracle” has climbed into the 145-pound top 10 with a 7-0-1 record. He most recently got the better of the always game Dan Ige in Abu Dhabi last October.

  • Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy In The Works For UFC Fight Night Main Event At The Apex

    Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy In The Works For UFC Fight Night Main Event At The Apex

    A clash between hard-hitting featherweight contenders is targeted for the main event of the UFC Fight Night event in Las Vegas on April 5.

    Before heading to Miami to stage UFC 314 from the Kaseya Center, mixed martial arts’ leading promotion will kick off its schedule for April back at the Apex facility in Enterprise, Nevada.

    And the planned main event has now been revealed, with MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck reporting that an intriguing 145-pound battle between perennial contender Josh Emmett (19-4) and the surging Lerone Murphy (15-0-1) is in the works for the April 5 UFC Fight Night.

    Emmett last appeared back in the cage in December 2023. Before sitting out the entirety of 2024, the #8-ranked featherweight rebounded from consecutive losses by producing one of the most violent knockouts in recent memory at the expense of Bryce Mitchell.

    Looking to avoid falling to the same fate as “Thug Nasty” in a few months’ time will be Murphy, an undefeated Englishman who has risen the ranks with recent triumphs over Edson Barboza and Dan Ige.

    With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at the UFC Fight Night on April 5 are as follows:

    • Josh Emmett vs. Lerone Murphy (featherweight main event)
    • Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Martin Buday (heavyweight)
    • Ode’ Osbourne vs. Luis Gurule (flyweight)
    • Rhys McKee vs. Daniel Frunza (welterweight)
    • Dione Barbosa vs. Diana Belbiţă (women’s flyweight)
    • Joanderson Brito vs. Pat Sabatini (featherweight)
    • Loma Lookboonmee vs. Ariane Carnelossi (women’s strawweight)
    • Robert Valentin vs. Torrez Finney (middleweight)
    • Vanessa Demopoulus vs. Talita Alencar (women’s strawweight)
    • Cortavious Romious vs. Chang Ho Lee (bantamweight)

  • Josh Emmett Targets Title Eliminator Against “The Korean Zombie”

    UFC featherweight Josh Emmett is hoping his next appearance in the Octagon will be a title eliminator against veteran contender “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung.

    Emmett’s surge towards the title stalled last year following his clash with Shane Burgos. While securing a unanimous decision victory over “Hurricane” in a Fight of the Night contest, the 36-year-old was left with an ACL tear that saw him on the sidelines for well over a year.

    Having overcome the serious knee injury, Emmett returned to action at UFC 269, the final pay-per-view of 2021. Against tough and gritty contender Dan Ige, Emmett became a useful piece of evidence for those who doubt the existence of ring rust.

    After three rounds of preliminary card action, which saw the Phoenix native put his power on full display with a first-frame knockdown, Emmett fell on the right side of a close decision.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXggzJoJYqm/

    Emmett Lays Out Path To The Title

    Having cemented his spot just outside the featherweight top five, extended his win streak to four, and reminded the rest of the division of his presence, Emmett is looking to stake his claim for a championship opportunity in 2022.

    During a recent interview with The Hannibal TV, Emmett discussed his options moving forward. With most top contenders pre-occupied or coming off a loss, presuming Max Holloway fights for the belt next, the 36-year-old believes there is only one man who can stand opposite him in the cage for a title eliminator.

    “The only person that’s in front of me coming off a win, and that’s not booked, is Korean Zombie. So it’s like, that would be awesome to fight Korean Zombie in a title eliminator, and then the winner gets the winner of the trilogy fight (Volkanovski vs. Holloway 3)… Giga (Chikadze) and Calvin Kattar are fighting soon, so there’s no one available in front of me (except Zombie).”

    Emmett also revealed some frustration with regards to how the UFC have booked him in the past. Having watched a number of names rise the divisional ladders after receiving opportunities against higher-ranked names, Emmett questioned why he’s always been made to fight down the rankings.

    He’s looking to change that in 2022, and says he won’t be fighting a featherweight below him. If the UFC is to heed to those demands, it stands to reason we’ll be seeing Emmett and “The Korean Zombie” throwing bombs inside the Octagon in the coming months.

    “I really want a title eliminator, I’ve fought everybody behind me and I’m one of the only guys they only offer fights behind me. Everyone else, they’re not even ranked in the top 15, then they get a fight in the top 10, and then they’re fighting someone in the top five. I don’t really get it. I do not want to fight anyone behind me. I want my next fight to be a title eliminator. There’s only one guy coming off a win that’s available and I would love to fight him.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CNK-Mz-BEvH/

    After back-to-back victories over Renato Moicano and Frankie Edgar in 2019, Chan Sung Jung saw his immediate title hopes shattered by Brian Ortega in a 2020 main event. But the 34-year-old brawler burst back into the conversation with a headlining decision triumph over Ige earlier this year.

    With both Josh Emmett and “The Korean Zombie” coming off impressive decisions against “50K,” it seemingly makes sense to match the pair up for a 2022 showdown.

    How do you think a fight between Josh Emmett and “The Korean Zombie” would play out?