After his memorable win over Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296, Josh Emmett is hoping to get fights that would help lead him to the title shot. In line with that, the fighter wants to face bigger names in the division, calling fights against those below him just as a risk with small benefits to offer.
The Emmett vs. Mitchell was one of the most thrilling bouts last Saturday. Despite only lasting one round, Emmett’s KO right hook made the crowd go wild after it caused Mitchell to convulse afterward. With his satisfying victory, Emmett believes his career is now thriving. The latest win has broken Emmett’s two-fight losing skid from Yari Rodriguez and Topuria in February and June, respectively.
“It feels good,” Emmett said during the UFC 296 post-fight press conference. “This was the first time in my career that I was on a two-fight skid. I needed to get back to the winning column. I just needed to remind people who I am. I had a tough 2023. I fought super tough opponents.
“My goal is to fight for that world title, so there’s nothing that was stopping me from fighting tonight. I didn’t care who was in front of me. There was nothing stopping me from winning.”
Emmett didn’t deny that fights with fellows at the lower rank offer nothing but risk. For the 38-year-old, the rewards he could gain from them won’t equate to the risks he’s taking. With this, the fighter hopes to get a big name in his next bout. Specifically, “CCO” hopes it would be someone who will help him ensure the entrance to the title conversation.
“I want to get back to the title fight,” Emmett said. “Fighting these guys behind me is high, high risk for not a lot of reward. It does nothing for me. It’s just a risky fight.
“I want to fight someone that gets me back to the title fight. This is going to be my last run at the title. I think I have a long career ahead of me, but realistically I want to make a run at that title and I want to be 100 percent all in. We’ve been working on a bunch of things, and I’m back to my roots, back to what got me to the UFC.”
