The co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs Volkov featured a thrilling match-up between two featherweight contenders and technical strikers in Josh Emmett and Shane Burgos. The two delivered the fireworks inside the Apex, with Emmett scoring two third-round knockdowns to secure a unanimous decision win over Burgos.
Both fighters came out throwing hard and Emmett found success early on with his right hand. Emmett connected cleanly with multiple powerful shots but Burgos ate them well and continued to move forward. Looking to zap his opponent of some power, Burgos focused on softening Emmett's legs with hard calf kicks.
The action carried over into the second frame. Emmett continued to land powerful blows while Burgos stuck to the game plan of attacking the legs. The heat was turned up towards the end of the round as it turned into more of an intense scrap.
A tight fight heading into the final round, Emmett landed a pivotal knockdown with a short left hand. Burgos immediately rose, however and the two went back at it before the action was temporarily halted followed an accidental low blow by Burgos. After a brief respite, the two went back at it again. Emmett dropped Burgos for a second time with a left hand and landed some ground strikes. Although Burgos rose to his feet, the two knockdowns in the round sealed the deal.
The judges scored it a unanimous decision for the No. 8-ranked Emmett (29-28 x2, 29-27), who moved to 16-2 with the win. The No. 10-ranked Burgos fell to 13-2.
During his post-fight interview, Emmett said he would like to fight at least one more time this year and, if he wins, he hopes to make a run at the title in early 2021.