Josh Emmett Calls Out Max Holloway for Title Eliminator Clash

Josh Emmett is hoping to make his way to a title shot by taking on former Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight king Max Holloway next.

A long-time Top 10 featherweight, Emmett (19-4) was on the way to championship contention with a five-fight win streak back in 2022. However, he had his momentum halted courtesy of Yair Rodriguez in an interim title fight at UFC 284, followed by a decision loss against Ilia Topuria, who is set to challenge Alexander Volkanovski for the crown at UFC 298 on Feb. 17.

The Phoenix native returned to the win column at UFC 296 last month against Bryce Mitchell, who replaced an injured Giga Chikadze on short notice. Emmett put “Thug Nasty” to sleep with an overhand right in the opening frame. The scene captured Sherdog’s 2023 “Knockout of the Year” honors.

“I don’t care who was in front of me, I was going in there to put someone away and get my hand raised and end 2023 on a high note,” the 38-year-old said on the Jaxxon podcast. “I had a tough year. I fought for the interim title earlier this year, then I had a tough fight [Topuria] and he’s fighting for the title. I just wanted to get back in the win column. I didn’t give a damn who was in front of me.”

Currently ranked No. 6 at 145 pounds, Emmett is now eyeing a matchup with former champ Holloway, who he believes should be his only hurdle to a title shot.

“I want to get back to that title, that’s my goal. I’m going to do whatever it takes to become a world champion, and I want to fight someone in front of me.”

“In my opinion, the clearest shot to the title -- and it would be the toughest fight as well -- give me Max Holloway. He’s the No. 1 contender. I think it’s the right fight at the right time. That’s what I want. He was a phenomenal champion in and out of the Octagon. He’s a huge name, and he’s cleared out the entire division. He’s fought everyone but me; let’s do it.”

Meanwhile, Holloway (25-7) has fought most at the top of the division, barring Emmett and Topuria. “Blessed” fought twice in 2023, defeating Arnold Allen via unanimous decision in April before knocking out promotional veteran and fan favorite Chan Sung Jung in August.