Josh Emmett Endures Brutal Training, Pukes Five Times Under TJ Dillashaw’s Coaching Ahead of UFC 320

As UFC 320 approaches, featuring a thrilling championship double-header, the fight world is buzzing. The main event will see Alex Pereira challenge champion Magomed Ankalaev for the light heavyweight title, while Merab Dvalishvili defends his UFC Bantamweight Championship against top contender Cory Sandhagen in the co-main event. This 135-pound division was famously dominated by TJ Dillashaw, renowned for his intense work ethic and considered one of the sport`s all-time great bantamweights. Despite retiring at 39 due to injuries, Dillashaw remains actively involved in the gym, pushing elite fighters to their limits in preparation for their upcoming bouts.

Josh Emmett: “In the Best Shape of My Life” Thanks to Dillashaw`s Rigorous Camp

At 40 years old, Josh Emmett, a formidable featherweight contender and known knockout artist, declares he`s in peak physical condition. He`s set to compete at UFC 320, aiming to rebound from an April decision loss to Lerone Murphy with a victory over Youssef Zalal. In a surprising move for the Team Alpha Male veteran, Emmett chose to train with their former rival, TJ Dillashaw, for his latest camp. Emmett described the initial session to Full Send MMA: “The first workout, I was like, I haven’t felt this in the last four or five camps.”

He elaborated on his decision to train with Dillashaw, stating, “I’m feeling I do need to maybe change things up, make some adjustments.” Dillashaw, according to Emmett, cautioned him about the intensity: “He was telling me people don’t come back after this because they realize how hard it is.” Undeterred, Emmett pushed through.

“Everything’s mental and that’s my strongest attribute. So, I just kept coming back and I was throwing up. He had a red bucket that had my name on it and I was like, f— that bucket…” Emmett recalled a moment of false triumph: “I think it was like the fourth time that I didn’t throw up. But I take that back because the fourth time I didn’t throw up, I celebrated. I went home. I had to pull over because I threw up in my mouth. I had to spit it out.”

He then added, “So it’s the fifth time I told him, and then I came back the fifth time, and then I finally said that bucket’s no longer undefeated. That was just the start of it, man. That’s 8-9 weeks ago. So, I am in the best shape of my life. I can’t wait to go out there and perform.”

Emmett and Zalal Share Common Foe: Ilia Topuria

Josh Emmett is not alone in having faced UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria in a full-length bout. His upcoming opponent, Youssef Zalal, notably became the first fighter to push an undefeated Topuria to the judges` scorecards during Topuria`s short-notice UFC debut in 2020, when Topuria held an 8-0 record.

Emmett, however, holds the distinction of being the only fighter to endure five rounds against Topuria, despite a heavily lopsided decision loss in 2023 where he nearly suffered multiple finishes. Following their main event clash, Topuria himself commended Emmett for his remarkable toughness.