Josh Emmett
Active 2015–present · rated in 5 editions · peak overall 83.0
Scouting report
Josh Emmett is known for one-punch knockout power at featherweight. Hailing from Sacramento, California, the former collegiate wrestler knocked out Bryce Mitchell and Michael Johnson en route to an Interim UFC Featherweight Championship bout. His power is reflected in a 90 Boxing rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Emmett fought at featherweight across 2016 and 2017, scoring a first-round knockout of former title challenger Ricardo Lamas at UFC on Fox 26 in Winnipeg after beating Jon Tuck and Felipe Arantes. His wrestling base and knockout power are reflected in an 86 Boxing and 84 Wrestling score.
After a second-round knockout loss to Jeremy Stephens in February 2018, he returned with stoppage wins over Michael Johnson in Philadelphia and Mirsad Bektic in Sacramento in 2019. His right hand and takedown defense anchor his 88 Boxing and 84 Durability ratings.
In June 2020 at UFC on ESPN 11 in Las Vegas, Emmett beat Shane Burgos by unanimous decision, then outpointed Dan Ige in late 2021. His right hand and wrestling defense support his 88 Boxing and 84 Wrestling ratings.
Emmett beat Calvin Kattar in 2022 to earn an interim title bout, where Yair Rodriguez submitted him in round two at UFC 284 in Perth. In December 2023 at UFC 296 in Las Vegas, he knocked out Bryce Mitchell in round one. His power anchors his 90 Boxing and 84 Wrestling score.
Josh Emmett, the Sacramento wrestler with one-punch power
Josh Emmett was born in Phoenix, fights out of Sacramento, wrestled at the college level, and turned into one of featherweight's more dangerous punchers. He knocked out Michael Johnson in 2019, lost the 2023 interim title fight to Yair Rodriguez by submission, and later knocked out Bryce Mitchell in December 2023. Emmett is a heavy-handed featherweight who gives up some technique for raw force. He is a strong choice for a lineup with a technical backbone.
Emmett's stats, broken down
Boxing. His best rating. Heavy right hand and powerful counters.
Kickboxing. Weaker. He kicks less than most of the top contenders.
Wrestling. Very good for a college wrestler. Solid takedowns and defense.
BJJ. His lowest number. He is not a submission threat and can be caught.
Strength. Very strong for featherweight. He hits hard and holds position.
Durability. Good. He can take a shot and keep swinging.
Cardio. Solid. He can keep a steady pace in a main event.
Fight IQ. Fair. He is a power hitter who plays to his strengths.
Boxing at 90 supplies the knockout threat
Emmett's punching is the top rating, and it matches the knockouts of Bryce Mitchell and Michael Johnson. Strength at 88 backs it up. Together they make him a fighter who ends exchanges by force. If you want a closer on your card, he is a good option.
BJJ is where he gets caught
At 72, BJJ is his lowest attribute, and Yair Rodriguez finished him with a submission in their interim title fight. A fighter with a good ground game can drag him down and work for a finish. Balance him with teammates who are strong on the ground.
Keep exploring
Closest featherweight profiles to Josh Emmett, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Chad Mendesbest wrestling 92 · weakest bjj 76
- Sodiq Yusuffbest boxing 86 · weakest bjj 74
- Dan Igebest durability 88 · weakest bjj 78
- Shane Burgosbest boxing 88 · weakest bjj 76
- Featherweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Grappling vs striking in the draft: a guide that fits Josh Emmett's strongest attribute, Boxing.
Draft Josh Emmett into your build
Josh Emmett enters the pool on any spin landing on featherweight between 2016 and present. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Josh Emmett is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Josh Emmett's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.