Josh Emmett likely was less than one minute away from a decision loss to Michael Johnson. With one overhand right, he changed everything.
Emmett (14-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) laid out Johnson (19-14 MMA, 11-10 UFC) at the 4:14 mark of the final frame after getting outstruck for two-plus rounds.
The featherweight bout was part of the main card of today’s UFC on ESPN 2 event at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. It aired on ESPN following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.
Emmett tried a hit-and-run attack, mixing punches with takedown entries. On the inside, Johnson’s hand speed was apparent with a right hand. Emmett’s forward momentum, however, knocked back the veteran on one occasion as he charged with a punch. As Johnson started to commit to straight punches, Emmett sought to close for the takedown setup. When that failed, he grew more bold in the pocket. Johnson didn’t make him pay, but he got close.
An early high kick from Emmett got Johnson seeking revenge. As he moved forward, Emmett introduced him to a straight right. He pushed forward nonetheless and put a straight left on target. That turned out to be the key against Emmett, who appeared more off-balance as he sought to contain his opponent’s movement. A left hook visibly hurt Emmett and prompted a takedown attempt that ran out of time as the second round ended.
Emmett started the final round with aggressive forward movement, no doubt aware of his precarious position on the scorecards. He changed levels hoping for the takedown, and set up shots with punches. Johnson’s footwork made an interception tough as he continued to fight backward and side-to-side. Quick combinations inside kept Emmett honest. But of course, not honest enough to prevent the shot that sent Johnson to the canvas.
Emmett is back in the win column after a brutal knockout loss to Jeremy Stephens left him with multiple facial injuries. Johnson drops to 1-2 since dropping from the lightweight division to featherweight.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 2 results include:
- Josh Emmett def. Michael Johnson via KO (punch) – Round 3, 4:14
- Michelle Waterson def. Karolina Kowalkiewicz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Paul Craig def. Kennedy Nzechukwu via submission (triangle choke) – Round 3, 4:20
- Sodiq Yusuff def. Sheymon Moraes via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Marina Rodriguez def. Jessica Aguilar via unanimous decision (29-26, 29-27, 29-27)
- Desmond Green def. Ross Pearson via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:52
- Kevin Aguilar def. Enrique Barzola via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Kevin Holland def. Gerald Meerschaert via split decision (29-27, 28-29, 30-27)
- Casey Kenney def. Ray Borg via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Maryna Moroz def. Sabina Mazo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Alex Perez def. Mark De La Rosa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN 2, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
