Josh Emmett won't give up on UFC title run, wants Ilia Topuria rematch 'more than anything'

LAS VEGAS – UFC featherweight contender Josh Emmett hit the reset button on his career and is now ready to get going again.

After taking a year away from fighting, Emmett is ready to pick up the gloves once again and start building toward title contention. Emmett, who was last seen in action in December 2023 when he viciously knocked out Bryce Mitchell, is itching to get back in the octagon and hopes to fight again in the beginning of 2025.

"It's a question everyone has been asking me, but over the last handful of years I have not been my best, and this year I took the whole year off to get back to 100 percent," Emmett told MMA Junkie when asked about his inactivity. "I feel like I owe it to my family, friends and coaches. I'm 100 percent now, so I want to make a run at that title, and I'm excited to get back in there. I'm feeling great, and I can't wait for people to see me perform in (first quarter) of next year."

Emmett, 39, didn't specify, but said he'd been dealing with injuries that have now been addressed. These physical issues made it hard for him to compete at his full potential.

"In the last few years, I've been a fraction of myself, but you get these opportunities, and you have to take them, and here we are," Emmett said. "2025 is right around the corner and everyone will see the progression that I've made in this year lay off."

There's no particular opponent ideal for his return, but Emmett does want a fight that's meaningful in the rankings. He's determined to make another title run and get his rematch against now UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

"If it's my choice, I'm going Ilia rematch, but it doesn't work that way," Emmett said. "So whoever is going to get me closer to that rematch with Topuria."

Emmett added,

"(Topuria) is a great fighter, he's a great champion, but I want that fight back more than anything."

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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Josh Emmett won't give up on UFC title run, wants Ilia Topuria rematch 'more than anything'