UFC on FOX 26: Josh Emmett scores violent first round upset knockout of Ricardo Lamas

Ricardo Lamas faced off against Josh Emmett tonight (Sat., Dec. 16, 2017) at UFC on FOX 26 in a Catchweight showdown inside Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Lamas had finished two straight opponents and was ranked No. 3 in the world. He had been scheduled to face Jose Aldo, but of course, Frankie Edgar’s injury gave Aldo another shot at Max Holloway’s belt back at UFC 218. Emmett missed weight by 2.5 pounds, so the bout became a Catchweight (not Featherweight) fight.

Lamas came out kicking the legs of Emmett. Emmett stepped into a smooth combination as Lamas shelled up. Lamas landed a left hook and a jab. Emmett ate a body kick, stepped back to avoid a low kick. He landed a right hand through the guard of Ricardo Lamas. Lamas chopped his leg out with a hard leg kick. Emmet landed a body kick as Lamas palmed his face. Emmett blocked two consecutive kicks from Lamas. Emmett countered Lamas with a nice two-three combination. He stutter-stepped forward, looking for an opening. Lamas is a difficult fighter to counter because he doesn’t throw a whole lot. Lamas landed a high kick off the arms. Emmett countered a kick and put Lamas out like a night-light!! What a savage hook! Lamas avoided the right hand as he kicked but as he turned his body to throw his own left hook, Emmett put him all the way out. No need for follow-up, that was savage.

Emmett said his goal was to come out here and shock the world- and he thinks he might have. He said the knockout is Joey Rodriguez boxing at it’s finest. He apologizes for not making the weight, saying it will never happen again. He said his goal is to be a world champion, and he works with the best at Team Alpha Male. He didn’t make a callout, but I wouldn’t mind seeing him slotted in against, say, Brian Ortega...

Official result: Josh Emmett def. Ricardo Lamas via knockout at 4:33 of round one

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