Josh Emmett is not your typical UFC featherweight contender. Sure, he’s got the heart of a fighter and the mindset of a champion, but there’s more to him than just grit and skill inside the Octagon. Emmett holds a psychology degree and even has a passion for crypto—an unexpected combo that makes him stand out among his peers. Growing up wasn’t easy for Emmett. Raised by a single mother alongside his brother, he faced challenges early on.

Yet, through his mother’s unwavering support, he found a path to success, eventually carving out a name for himself in the UFC. Today, he’s recognized not only for his relentless fighting style but also for his striking Japanese-inspired neon tattoos that light up the cage. However, the most intriguing part of Josh Emmett’s story isn’t his journey or his ink—it’s his moniker: CC0. What does that mean? Well, let’s hear it straight from the man himself!

What does Josh Emmett’s nickname ‘CC0′ mean?

After much speculation, Josh Emmett finally decided to unveil the meaning behind his unique nickname to his fans. In a YouTube video back in January 2024, he shared the story behind the moniker that had everyone guessing: CC0—or, as some pronounce it, CC Zero or CCO. So, what does it mean? As Emmett explains, the nickname is inspired by the world of NFTs. CC0 is related to NFT and CC0 NFT stands for the Creative Commons Zero NFT, where intellectual property rights are relinquished, allowing anyone to use or modify the art without restriction.

For Emmett, it’s more than just a crypto term—it’s a reflection of his mindset and approach to fighting. When asked about the nickname, Emmett often replies with a simple, “If you know, you know.” The hard-hitting featherweight is not just passionate about fighting but also crypto. He’s been known to attend crypto conventions, blending his love for MMA with his interest in blockchain and NFTs.

In essence, we believe that CC0 represents Emmett’s philosophy of being open and available—always ready to fight whoever, whenever. Just like the art under a CC0 license, he’s unrestricted and adaptable, making him a true wildcard in the featherweight division.

Before his upcoming showdown at UFC Vegas 105, let’s take a look at CC0’s remarkable journey. One defined by hard-fought battles, relentless determination, and the resilience that led to his well-earned success.

Josh Emmett’s early life and background

“I got into this sport later than a lot of people [my] age,” Emmett admitted to Combat Press back in 2020. “My first amateur fight, I was 26. I knew I had to win these fights or else it would set me back too much due to my later start.” Despite his late entry into MMA, Emmett’s passion for the sport was unwavering. As a longtime fan of combat sports, he was determined to make his mark, even though his decision made his single mother uneasy.

She had raised Emmett and his older brother on her own, working multiple jobs to make ends meet. While she wasn’t thrilled about her son stepping into such a brutal sport, she remained a steadfast supporter. Emmett spoke about her influence during an interview with the UFC, saying, “My heroes are my support system. Without them, fighting wouldn’t be possible. Growing up, my mother raised me and my older brother by herself, working multiple jobs to provide everything. She isn’t the biggest fan of fighting, but still loves and supports me unconditionally.”

Alongside his mother, Emmett also honors his wife, Vanessa, as his hero. Vanessa, a fitness enthusiast and trainer, has stood by his side through every hardship. The two have been married since 2012 and now have two children together. Emmett’s journey into combat sports began with a successful high school wrestling career, which he continued at Sacramento City College.

It was there that an encounter with MMA legend Urijah Faber changed his path. After college, he started training at Faber’s Ultimate Fitness gym. Moreover, he has been part of his iconic Team Alpha Male since 2006. The rest as they say is history! CC0 went on a remarkable five-fight winning streak before facing back-to-back defeats against Yair Rodriguez and Ilia Topuria.

Determined to bounce back, he secured a brutal KO over Bryce Mitchell. With this, he reminded everyone of his lethal overhand strikes and striking prowess. Now, as he prepares to face Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 105, fans are left wondering! Can CC0 continue his resurgence and prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with?