Featherweight Josh Emmett looks to bounce back from a two fight skid when he takes on Kevin Vallejos this Saturday at the Meta Apex.
The UFC Vegas 114 main event is a first for Vallejos, but not so much for Emmett, who has been in big fights and headlining spots before.
Last time out, Emmett (19-6) was submitted by Youssef Zalal, a loss he admits he had to move on quickly from.
“I just got caught. That’s this sport. I got caught, it’s frustrating, so what I’ve kind of learned from that is kind of take it all in, have a short memory,” he explained during the UFC Vegas 114 media day. “I just needed to move on, otherwise it’s going to effect me. I can’t dwell on the past and effect everything I’m trying to accomplish in the future.”
Emmett pledged that “that won’t happen again.”
When it comes to Vallejos, Emmett admitted that he wasn’t familiar with the name, at first. Then, he realized it was Vallejos who had knocked out Giga Chikadze with a spinning backfist this past December.
“He’s a young kid, he’s got a whole country behind him. He kind of reminds me a little bit of myself just with his power and his striking,” Emmett observed. “I’m excited to get in there and mix it up with someone that’s going to stand there and trade with me. I’m stoked for Saturday night.”
The nature of the match-up isn’t lost on Emmett. At 41, he’s an old dog in the featherweight division. One who still has name value and a reputation that precedes him. Vallejos is the hungry up-and-comer. It’s standard UFC matchmaking.
“I know what’s going on. He’s a young prospect, he’s had success. He’s 3-0 in the UFC right now, and the UFC wants to test him .They think a lot of him,” Emmett noted. “They know what they’re going to get with me. There’s a reason they’re putting us in a small octagon, two guys that are going to stand there and box with four once gloves on. What people want to see. I know what they’re trying to do, he’s trying to build a name off me but that’s not going to happen.”
As for Emmett himself, after some struggles with health over the years, he’s fought consistently of late. “I’m back to enjoying this, I’m back to having fun. I just have to go out there and be me.”
Emmett understands that a win over Vallejos may not do a whole lot for his career. “I’m supposed to win, right? But not considering the matchmakers; I didn’t even look at the odds but people are sending me things and saying things. I’m like ‘whatever, man.’ I could care less. But it just puts me back in the win column, that’s what I’m trying to do. Just continue to move forward and climb up the ranks again.”
Watch the full UFC Vegas 114 media day appearance by Josh Emmett above.
