Josh Emmett discusses UFC future at lightweight, sets target return date

An end-of-the-year return sounds great to Josh Emmett.

The former interim title challenger has spent nearly 10 years as a UFC featherweight, fighting the best of the best. Emmett even went the five-round distance with Ilia Topuria in 2023.

Many forget the 41-year-old started his UFC run at lightweight back in 2016. Following his main event loss to Kevin Vallejos in March, Emmett has decided to return to 155 lbs for his next fight.

The Team Alpha Male product was 2-1 in the weight class before dropping down to featherweight in 2017. This was after a split decision loss to Des Green.

Years later, Emmett would go on to contend for the UFC interim featherweight title in 2023, dropping the contest to Mexico’s Yair Rodriguez at UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski.

When questioned regarding his later-year return, Emmett added fuel to fans’ fires as he spoke on a matchup with Michael Chandler at lightweight, “When fans heard I was going back to 155, they were like, ‘Oh, we want to see him fight Chandler,'” Emmett told MMA Island on Saturday.

“I’m not opposed to any fight. I will fight anyone, anytime,” Emmett said.

Although denying the possibility of him being on the rumored California card in September and many fans questioning why Emmett was left off his hometown UFC Sacramento card on August 22nd, Emmett spoke on obligations outside of the sport that drove him from being let off both respective dates.

“Hunter [Campbell] and them reached out, but six and a half weeks wasn’t enough time—plus one of my best friends is getting married that same day,” Emmett explained. “I’m shooting for November or December.”

Speaking on his attendance at the event, the 41-year-old spoke about his advocacy for California’s historic pension for combat sports athletes. Emmett was one of many both active and retired fighters lobbying for the benefits, with UFC superstar Ronda Rousey, Urijah Faber, Josh Thomson, Chris Leben, and Frank Trigg to name a few.

“We don’t have benefits or retirement in this sport. I think I need one or two more fights in California to qualify for the pension, but regardless, I’m just glad this is in place for the next generation,”

For MMA fighters, retired fighters who have had 39 scheduled rounds in CSAC-sanctioned fights in California qualify for the pension after they have hit 50 years of age.

If you believe you qualify for the fund, contact the California State Athletic Commission office at csac@dca.ca.gov or visit their website at https://www.dca.ca.gov/csac/forms_pubs/publications/pension_plan.shtml

Check out the full interview above to hear more from Josh Emmett and his future in not only fighting but beyond.