Josh Emmett admits 145-pound cut hurting performance, targets return to 155

Josh Emmett is considering a return to lightweight as his featherweight career winds down. The 41-year-old UFC veteran began his fight career at 155 pounds before moving to featherweight in 2017, but has now lost five of his last six fights. Emmett has admitted that the severe weight cut to 145 pounds is taking a toll on his performance and well-being. "The cut to 145 is just crazy," Emmett told MMAFighting. "It's so hard, and I think it is affecting my performances." He plans to fight again before the end of the year—likely between October and early December—and expects to make the move back up to lightweight for his next bout. Emmett believes the featherweight-to-lightweight range represents the most competitive divisions and aligns better with the average male fighter's natural size. At featherweight, Emmett compiled notable wins over Bryce Mitchell, Dan Ige, and Calvin Kattar, though his sole UFC title shot came in an interim featherweight championship fight against Yair Rodriguez, which he lost by submission.