Josh Emmett delivered a devastating knockout punch to Bryce Mitchell at UFC 296, which he described as a perfect, effortless connection, and while he initially celebrated the victory, he expressed concern for Mitchell’s wellbeing as medical staff attended to him post-fight.
Josh Emmett had that gut feeling. The second his fist met Bryce Mitchell’s jaw in UFC 296, he knew it was game over.
The crowd went wild. That punch was the highlight of the year’s final pay-per-view event, a right hook that sent Mitchell tumbling to the mat. It was like a home run, the kind that sends the ball soaring out of the park.
Emmett put it simply on *The MMA Hour*. “You swing perfect,” he said, “and it’s effortless.” He knew the moment he connected—it was a knockout.
“I hit him so hard,” Emmett recalled, a touch of awe in his voice. “Saw him fall, and I just knew.” He refused to throw another punch. For him, a clean walk-off KO is the sweetest victory.
Amidst the chaos, Emmett’s celebration began. Medical staff swarmed the cage, attending to Mitchell, who lay twitching on the canvas.
It was a chilling sight. Emmett admitted he’d never seen anything like it. Was it a seizure? Uncertainty hung in the air, but thankfully, Mitchell recovered.
Emmett’s victory roar echoed in the arena. But as he watched Mitchell, concern replaced elation. He knelt, watching, until Mitchell came to.
Critics were quick to pounce on Emmett’s initial reaction. But he defended himself, explaining the whirlwind of emotions that come with a hard-fought win. “It’s hard to celebrate,” he said, “when you see someone in that position.”
Despite the criticism, Emmett remained unapologetic. “I did what I was supposed to do,” he stated firmly. He’s in the octagon to deliver knockouts, and that’s exactly what he did.
Mitchell, for his part, held no grudge. He even praised Emmett for his restraint in not landing extra punches. It’s a sign of respect among fighters.
Emmett spoke highly of Mitchell too. It seems the knockout left Mitchell with a gap in his memory, only piecing it together after watching the replay.
“He’s already back at work,” Emmett shared, admiration in his tone. Mitchell’s resilience was evident, already back to building his barn in Arkansas. “He’s a genuine good person,” Emmett added.
In the end, Emmett’s concern was for his opponent’s well-being. He wanted to ensure Mitchell was okay, which he eventually was. It was a relief, allowing Emmett to celebrate properly with his team and loved ones in Vegas.