UFC 296 is underway and the excitement is at an all-time high. In what was been a whirlwind of an event so far, we’ve seen numerous submissions and knockouts. However, the cream of the crop is easily Josh Emmett knocking out Bryce Mitchell.
Opening up the main card, #6 ranked featherweight Emmett took on the #10 ranked Bryce Mitchell. For the most part, most fans know what to expect from the two fighters by now. As such, Emmett was expected to be the more aggressive fighter, whilst Mitchell was meant to be the more reserved and crafty fighter.
JOSH EMMETT PUTS BRYCE MITCHELL TO SLEEP 😱😱😱 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/bqdkSZSzw7
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
During the very first round, “CC0” landed a thundering right hand to the center of Mitchell’s face. Naturally, the 29-year-old was immediately sent to the canvas, with the commentators pointing out an alarming detail. Following the KO, Joe Rogan echoed, “Oh my god, look at his (Mitchell) feet. He’s shaking bad,, he’s having a seizure right now. Oh my goodness, he’s in convulsions right now”. As such, Rogan and DC pointed out that “Thug Nasty” was having seizures after getting knocked out.
As the convulsions continued, Mitchell was still unconscious on the ground. Eventually, he was helped up by the medical staff with a lot of concern regarding his health. Notably, when Mithcell did get to his feet, Rogan was adamant that the fighter be provided with a stool, or else he was risking a knee injury. To emphasize the gravity of the situation, UFC President Dana White personally entered the cage for the matter.
Josh Emmett corrected his two-fight skid at UFC 296
In what was arguably one of the scariest knockouts in recent UFC history, we have rarely seen fighters having seizures after getting knocked out. Although the cause for it is still unknown, it was still a horrifying sight to see, one that was mostly kept out of the broadcast.
Those following Emmett will know that he has a tendency of knocking his opponents out cold. In the past, the 38-year-old has sent the likes of Shane Burgos and Michael Johnson to the ‘Shadow Realm’ as well. As such, Mitchell becomes the latest addition to that list. Arguably the hardest-hitting 145-er in the UFC, Josh has time and time again proven why he is still dangerous.
Speaking in his post-fight press conference, Emmett revealed how it had been a difficult year for him. Coming off a long injury layoff, the Team Alpha Male athlete took on Yair Rodriguez earlier this year at UFC 284. On the night, Josh was thoroughly dominated before getting submitted by the Mexican. As such, it was a devastating blow, one which cost him the interim featherweight title.
Further, Josh also lost to rising contender Ilia Topuria in July this year after another fight in which he was dominated. Thus, many assumed that Emmett’s time at the top was finally coming to an end. Capping off his tremendous win, the American let out a joyful “I’M BACK!” in the post-fight interview as well.