Josh Emmett didn’t have much faith in the judges when he heard the first scorecard for Calvin Kattar.
Emmett and Kattar headlined UFC Austin in a very pivotal fight for the featherweight division, and the winner could very well get the next title shot. The fight was back-and-forth as both men had success. When it went to the scorecards, it wasn’t certain who was going to win.
A Close Scorecard for Kattar vs Emmett
For Emmett, he says he was confident he did enough. But when he heard the first judge scored it for Kattar, however, his confidence was shaken.
After 5 rounds of main event action, @CalvinKattar and @JoshEmmettUFC win FOTN💰🙌 #UFCAustin
[ BTYB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/EuDHdclNfv
— UFC (@ufc) June 19, 2022
“I thought I was going to get screwed. I thought I won four [rounds] to one. I had four to one. At least three to two and when they went split [decision], I was like come on! But it worked out in my favor,” Emmett said after UFC Austin. “Calvin Kattar is a dog. Like I told you guys, I was ready for a 25-minute war. He’s tough as hell. Usually, when I hit people with those big shots to the head or the body, they’re not standing there and he was right in the mix coming forward with those elbows and knees. He has a slick jab. I was so well prepared. My coaches, everybody, this is our time.”
Ultimately, it was Emmett getting his hand raised and edging out the split decision to pick up arguably the biggest win of his career.
Check Out UFC Fight Night: Kattar vs Emmett Payouts and Fight Bonuses
What’s Next for Josh Emmett in the UFC?
With the win, Emmett will enter the top-five and is riding a five-fight win streak. All things considered, he believes he deserves the next featherweight title shot.
“I want that shot,” Emmett said. “I said the No. 2 and 3 guys [Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez], they’re phenomenal fighters, they’ve fought the top guys Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. We need some new blood in the division. I know I can compete with them. I’m the best featherweight on this planet. I’m ready. I want to be sitting cage-side in two weeks [at UFC 276] to see who I’m fighting next. I know I can compete with these guys. I know I can beat these guys.”
Of course, the featherweight title is on the line in two weeks as Volkanovski and Holloway have their trilogy match in the co-main event of UFC 276 on July 2.
