Exclusive: Josh Emmett Believes He's Two Wins Away From Title Shot

Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges - Zuffa LLC 

On June 20th. - heavyweights, Curtis Blaydes, and Alexander Volkov clash in a high-stakes headliner, however, beneath that pairing we've got a featherweight bout that could tell a huge story in terms of the movement of the division. Two of the most game and exciting contenders at 145-pounds take co-main event honours, as Josh Emmett returns in a matching with 'Hurricane' Shane Burgos.

With a combined winning streak of five fights, Sacramento-based Emmett, and New York-based, Burgos can most certainly find themselves in and around title contention with a statement victory - something that's become a staple in each of their respective careers.

With ten finishes, five submissions, and five knockouts each - Bronx born Burgos presents a real threat wherever this fan-favourite meeting ends up. Team Alpha MMA mainstay, Emmett, on the other hand, has displayed his legitimate knockout potential since a return to 145-pounds back in October of 2017 - scoring three of his six career knockout wins at featherweight.

Speaking with, Colin Crandall from the MMA Power Hour, Emmett spoke of his intentions to earn a featherweight championship opportunity with two more victories, including his matchup with Burgos.

"Of course, I want to fight someone in front of me, but with the UFC rankings, you know - he's (Shane Burgos) good," Emmett explained. "His only loss ever is to Calvin Kattar and it was a super back-and-forth fight. Who knows what would have happened if it got to the scorecards, but he got caught in the third round. He's got some impressive wins, he's known for his striking, he's physically a big featherweight, has a gas-tank, and throws a lot of volume."

"I think this is a perfect matchup," Emmett said. "Even though he's in the top-ten, I feel that - it doesn't matter, I could still possibly be, you know, who knows, one to two fights away, I believe two fights away from fighting for the title. So, I just have to go in there and do whatever I need to do to get my hand raised, and then we'll sit back and see what's next. I'll probably get a top-five opponent, I beat them, I'll fight for the title. First and foremost, I have to get through a dangerous, Shane Burgos."

A victory for 35-year-old Emmett would mark his third straight success, with prior wins coming opposite, Mirsad Bektić, and a stunning-stoppage of longtime lightweight challenger, Michael 'The Menace' Johnson.

If Burgos gets his hand raised, he'll extend an equally impressive winning run to four - with his UFC 244 handling of Makwan Amirkhani, adding to wins over perennial featherweight contender, Cub Swanson, and Kurt Holobaugh.