Overview
- Emmett told MMA Fighting on Thursday that he expects to fight before the end of 2026 and is eyeing a return to the lightweight division, targeting roughly October to early December.
- He said the cut to 145 pounds has become “crazy” and believes the weight drain has hurt his performances as he manages his body at age 41.
- The announcement follows a prolonged skid in which Emmett has gone 1-5 over his last six fights, including a March loss to Kevin Vallejos and a submission defeat to Yair Rodriguez at UFC 284.
- Emmett left open the possibility of alternative work outside MMA, saying he would take paid wrestling matches with RAF as a way to keep competing without taking strikes.
- Moving back up recalls Emmett’s early career at 155 pounds and creates matchmaking questions for the UFC about pairing him with veteran gatekeepers or younger prospects as he tries to stop his slide.