Josh Emmett

Fighter Facts

• Pro since 2011
   
• Six first round finishes
   
• Six wins by KO, two by submission (guillotine, arm triangle)
   
• Last pre-UFC win was January 2016 TKO of UFC vet Christos Giagos
   
• Seventh UFC fight at featherweight (5-1)
   
• On three-fight winning streak

UFC History

UFC on ESPN (6/20/20) Emmett won a three round unanimous decision over Shane Burgos
UFC Fight Night (7/13/19) Emmett stopped Mirsad Bektic via strikes at 4:25 of the first round
UFC on ESPN (3/30/19) Emmett knocked out Michael Johnson at 4:14 of the third round
UFC on FOX (2/24/18) Emmett was knocked out by Jeremy Stephens at 1:35 of the second round
UFC on FOX (12/16/17) Emmett knocked out Ricardo Lamas at 4:33 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (10/21/17) Emmett won a three round unanimous decision over Felipe Arantes
UFC 210 (4/8/17) Emmett lost a three round split decision to Desmond Green
UFC on FOX (12/17/16) Emmett won a three round unanimous decision over Scott Holtzman
UFC Fight Night (5/8/16) Emmett won a three round split decision over Jon Tuck

Q&A

When and why did you start training for fighting? I wrestled at Menlo College. After my collegiate career was over, I still had the desire to continue competing, so I joined Urijah Faber's Ultimate Fitness and the rest is history.
What ranks and titles have you held? West Coast Fighting Championship Lightweight Champion and ISCF Lightweight Champion- Currently ranked 6th in California at lightweight at Tapology.com
Do you have any heroes? My heroes are my support system. Without them, fighting wouldn't be possible. Growing up, my mother raised me and my older brother by herself, working multiple jobs to provide everything. She isn't the biggest fan of fighting but still loves and supports me unconditionally. My best friend Johnny Perez and his wife Felicitas have been extremely impactful in my life. Their friendship, selflessness, mentorship and unconditional support have allowed me to pursue this dream. They are married and have a newborn child, and they both work full-time. With that being said, they have opened their home, along with their hearts, to me and my wife Vanessa, allowing me to pursue this dream. I cannot express how thankful I am to them both for what they have done for me and my wife. My in-laws Vickie and Paul Strother have had a really big impact on my life. They have opened their home and hearts for me and they have supported me in so many ways. My biggest hero is my wife Vanessa. She has supported me through thick and thin. Fighting on the regional circuit isn't a great way to support a family, and the lifestyle isn't conducive to a glamorous lifestyle. We survive on love, and if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here.   
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? I'm extremely grateful. This is a dream come true.  All the sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears, the two broken hands, etc. have all been worth it. I just can't wait to take advantage of this opportunity.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to Menlo College - BA in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Psychology.
What was your job before you started fighting? I worked in a group home and was a crossfit instructor
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 2-0 record
Ranks  in any martial arts styles: NAIA wrestler and purple belt in jiu-jitsu - won worlds, no gi at blue belt.
Favorite grappling technique: RNC
Favorite Striking technique: Jab