Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Josh Emmett may be entering the biggest fight of his MMA career later this evening (Sat., June 20, 2020) at UFC on ESPN 11 live on ESPN/ESPN+ from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, when he squares off with rising featherweight contender Shane Burgos in the co-main event.
Emmett, 35, had the privilege of headlining a UFC event just over two years ago — losing to Jeremy Stephens via knockout — but this is an even more important spot for the veteran as we enter the second half of 2020. That’s because Emmett will get another chance to break the mold and finally win three consecutive fights inside of the Octagon.
In addition, Emmett will have another opportunity to prove he’s one of the best finishers in the division. With back-to-back knockout stoppages over Mirsad Bektic and Michael Johnson, Emmett is hoping to solidify himself as the hardest puncher at 145 pounds.
“I always said I feel like I’m the hardest hitting puncher in the featherweight division,” Emmett told reporters during UFC on ESPN 11’s virtual media day. “I saw some stats that just came out and in 15 minutes (of cage time) I average 2.68 knockdowns, and that’s the No. 1 spot. I’ve been an athlete my entire life, and I’m good at whatever I do, but I excel at wrestling, I excel in mixed martial arts and anything can happen in a fight, but I do feel like I’m the most athletic person in the division, as well.”
While Emmett has utilized raw power to decimate most of the featherweights UFC has thrown his way the Team Alpha Male standout still understands that he must be ready for anything once the cage door shuts. With wrestling, discipline, and a high motor to pair with his knockout ability, Emmett feels unbeatable as long as he sticks to his own game plan.
“If I can just stick to a game plan and be 100 percent on and not make any mistakes in the 15 minutes, and the best me shows up on Saturday night, no one can beat me,” Emmett said.
If Emmett is able to take out Burgos this weekend at UFC on ESPN 11 he will push his UFC featherweight record to an impressive 5-1. That sort of production could land Emmett in a matchup with a top 5 opponent, but he’s going to have to get past Burgos first.
“This is the fight game,” Emmett said. “I understand all the trash talk and stuff, but that’s not me. I’m going to go in there, I’m going to look to finish the fight, and I’m exciting every time I fight whatever I’m doing. I feel like a big win Saturday night, and I make another statement then I’ll get that push I deserve. I want someone in front of me this time instead of being the gatekeeper, fighting all these prospects and all these vets behind me. I want someone at the top.”
What do you think, Maniacs? Can Emmett land another knockout blow and end the Burgos hype train?
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC on ESPN 11 fight card RIGHT HERE, starting with the ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” that are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET, then the main card portion that will also stream on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET.
For more UFC on ESPN 11 fight card news click here.