Josh Emmett wasn’t happy with a split decision loss to Desmond Green in April, the first defeat of his professional career. But as he sits a day away from his first UFC co-main event against No. 3-ranked featherweight Ricardo Lamas on Saturday, he may want to thank judges Doug Crosby and Sal D’Amato for scoring against him that night in Buffalo.
“If I didn’t lose that split decision, then I’d still be at 155 and I wouldn’t be in the position I am right now,” said Emmett, who stepped in on short notice to replace Jose Aldo against Lamas, taking advantage of his biggest opportunity yet.