After more than a year on the sidelines, featherweight contender Josh Emmett is finally stepping back into the octagon this Saturday as the main event for UFC Vegas 105 approaches.
Emmett (19-4) is gearing up to face Lerone Murphy from England in a crucial matchup within the 145lb division, a division currently without a titleholder. Eager to make his comeback, Emmett shared on Wednesday how the time away seemed to fly, despite his self-imposed break from competition. Ranked #8, he feels re-energized and ready to make his mark.
“It’s thrilling to be back,” Emmett enthused to reporters at the media day for UFC Vegas 105. “The last fight you all saw was back in December 23. It feels like ages ago, yet here we are, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to step back in and prove my worth,” he added with excitement. “Saturday night’s going to be amazing.”
Emmett’s hiatus was a personal choice, aimed at self-improvement rather than due to injuries or a lack of potential fights.
“I could have fought before, but I owed it to myself, my coaches, and everyone supporting me to get back to my best. In recent years, I haven’t been performing at my peak, so I had to regroup and get back on track,” Emmett explained. “On Saturday, you’re going to witness something exceptional.”
Emmett is confident in his timing for a comeback, though he admitted there were no specific “mental markers” for his return. “I gauge my readiness not by milestones but by how I feel. I’ve been competing against top talent globally, and although there are battles I’d like to redo, right now my focus is on Murphy. Plus, the vacancy for the title gets filled the following weekend, so it’s perfect timing to throw my name in the mix, but first, I’ve got to handle Murphy.”
With Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes squaring off at UFC 314 to claim the title Ilia Topuria left open, Emmett sees this as an opportune moment to re-enter the fray. Although he hoped to face someone ranked higher when he returned, fate had him set against Murphy, who sits two spots behind at #10 in the rankings.
“I was aiming to challenge someone ahead of me — ideally in the top three, possibly the top contender, to earn a shot at the title,” Emmett said. “Ultimately, I know my potential, and I’m ready to face anyone.”
Catch Josh Emmett’s full appearance at the UFC Vegas 105 media day for more insights.
