UFC Orlando’s Josh Emmett is in the main event on FOX this Saturday, but says he’s the same as he always was. Rather, it’s people’s perceptions that have changed.
UFC on Fox 28 is fast approaching. On paper, it looks to be one of the best offerings big FOX has had in some time. Top to bottom, a solid card. The evening’s headlining bout will feature a UFC vet who has seemingly been fighting forever in Jeremy Stephens, and a man who shocked the MMA world just two short months ago: Josh Emmett.
Cageside Press had a chance to speak with the Team Alpha Male standout, and the heavy-handed Emmett is poised to pull off another upset.
Its no secret Emmett had a less than stellar camp heading into his last fight at UFC on FOX 26, making his early KO of Ricardo Lamas that much more impressive. Just about ten days out of his fight with Stephens, how does he feel? “Everything has gone really well this time” said Emmett.
“I can’t wait to get in there and perform on the 24th. I’ve worked really hard and I just can’t wait to get in there and do what I love to do” he added.
The only issue with Emmett’s last outing was the fact that he missed weight by a couple of pounds. It’s fair to point out that Emmett had never missed weight before that, and he took the fight on short notice when no one else would. The featherweight was also battling a cold.
To the doubters, Emmett says “Watch. I’ll make weight easy this time. That was the first and only time I will ever miss weight.”
You have to dig the new attitude. But what else has changed for the Alpha Male star these last couple of months? “Everything is kind of the same, the big thing is I got the #4 by my name now” said Emmett.
“I guess certain people’s perception of me has changed. My friends and family are the same, but other people, they treat me different. It’s weird you know. I’m the same exact person, it’s just people’s perception has changed.”
Emmett may be more outspoken of late, but he is still the modest, hardworking fighter fans have grown to love watch compete. To think, the only reason why we got to see him fight Lamas in the first place is because so many fighters have been picking and choosing their fights. Emmett, however, is not that guy. “I don’t know why guys pick their fights” he told us. It’s a common sentiment.
“I know it’s a business, but I’m a fighter and I enjoy competing” he explained. “I want to be the best, so I get it, but I’m glad guys pick their fights because that’s how I got the Lamas fight. No one wanted to fight him, I jumped at the chance.”
Indeed, the Alpha Male star seized the day in his last outing, and he’s looking to do the same with Stephens. “Jeremy is a super tough guy, and one of the hardest outs in the division, but I’m ready for the challenge. I will beat him [Stephens] and then a title shot is right there.”
Emmett appears to be a man with a plan, much like one of his mentors, Urijah Faber. Who can still be found rolling with some of Alpha Male’s top athletes.
“It’s crazy, even with all the successful businesses that Urijah has, he still finds time to share his knowledge with us. It really is a family here.”
A family that just so happens to be pretty good at beating people up.
On Saturday, Emmett looks to continue his rise to the top of the featherweight division. Could he be the next champion to be forged inside the walls of Team Alpha Male?
Watch Josh Emmett take on Jeremy Stephens in the main event of UFC on FOX 28, live this Saturday on FOX. The main card kicks off at 8PM ET. Be sure to check out our full coverage leading up to the event.
