The left knee injury that UFC featherweight Josh Emmett suffered in the first round of his “Fight of the Year” candidate opposite Shane Burgos is serious and could require extensive rehab time.
The UFC on ESPN 11 co-headliner not only suffered a complete tear of his ACL, but also a partial MCL tear, “focal impact” fracture of his femur and damaged cartilage, in addition to extensive swelling. He is currently weighing treatment options for recovery, his manager Jennifer Goldstein told MMA Fighting after an initial report from ESPN.com.
Emmett visibly reacted to the injury after an exchange with Burgos in the opening frame. He managed to continue fighting and connect with massive punches that repeatedly put his opponent on the canvas. He was well-aware of an ACL injury after the fight, which ended with a unanimous decision in his favor, and lashed out at his doubters in the media.
"I blew my ACL in the first 15 seconds, had to dig deep again!" - @JoshEmmettUFC
— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) June 21, 2020
#UFCVegas3 pic.twitter.com/iQLfVPDLRe
The fight was lauded as an instant classic by MMA observers and named a “Fight of the Year” contender by UFC President Dana White, who awarded both fighters $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonuses.
Emmett now has won three straight fights with two stoppage wins. He’s received back-to-back performance bonuses. He chose not to test the free agency market after a January fight marked the end of his previous contract.
Goldstein said Emmett could be shelved for nine months if he elects for surgery, though there’s a possibility he may be able to heal without going under the knife. Although medical suspensions have yet to be released, he likely faces a six-month term pending clearance from a doctor.
In a Twitter post released Monday evening, Emmett went into further detail about his injuries.
Most people would of quit or looked for a way out! I will NEVER QUIT!
— Josh Emmett (@JoshEmmettUFC) June 23, 2020
1 Complete ACL tear
2 MCL Sprain with partial tearing
3 Bakers cyst rupture
4 Focal impact fracture of
femur on the lateral
5 Chondral defect (cartilage) on tibia laterally matching impact area #UFCVegas3