UFC News: Joe Rogan Rejects Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway and More While Naming the ‘Hardest Puncher’ at 145 lbs- “Touch of Death”

Joe Rogan has claimed that Josh Emmett might be the hardest puncher in the featherweight division. Rogan recently released his #2106 episode of his JRE podcast and sat for a chat with Kid Rock. During the conversation, Rogan shared his thoughts on Emmett as a fighter. According to the 56-year-old, Emmett has the touch of death. It is all the more interesting that Rogan’s claim comes days after UFC 298, where Ilia Topuria, who beat the breaks off of Emmett last year, won the featherweight title. Let’s explore the 56-year-old’s take.

Josh Emmett was last seen inside the Octagon at UFC 296 against Bryce Mitchell. The #7 featherweight won the fight via knockout and displayed his power on the night. Both Rogan and Kid Rock analyzed the fight and seemed shocked by how hard Emmett hit. Let us find out what the UFC color commentator had to say about the 38-year-old.

Joe Rogan is absolutely shocked at Josh Emmett’s power

Joe Rogan is one of those rare personalities who has witnessed some of the biggest superstars in the UFC from close quarters. The UFC color commentator, while speaking to his recent guest Kid Rock, played a clip from UFC 296. The fight featured Josh Emmett and Bryce Mitchell. Rogan briefly slipped into his commentator persona and explained how Mitchell suffered a knockout and the damage caused by it. The knockout forced Rogan to label Emmett as the hardest puncher in the 145-pound division.

Emmett shared the clip on his Instagram account where the 56-year-old said, “Josh Emmet might be the hardest puncher in that division. He hits so hard. Well, that was a crazy combination of Bryce Mitchell moving forward quick and then him catching him right at the end. One of the most powerful punchers ever in the 145 pound division. Bruv, that guy hits anybody. They go night night. I mean anybody.”

He continued, “He had this fight with Michael Johnson. Michael Johnson is a really good fighter. He knocked out Dustin Poirier at one point. Michael Johnson is very, very legit. Michael Johnson is winning the fight and Josh Emmett catches him with one punch and just shuts him off. That’s the touch of death.”

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Emmett currently holds a record of 19-4-0 and is one of the more experienced fighters on the roster. However, he did lose his fight with the current champion Ilia Topuria via decision. Topuria, known for his ability to finish fights, struggled to end the fight against Emmett as ‘CC0’ showed incredible heart and grit. With his last fight ending as a knockout win, what’s next for the 38-year-old featherweight fighter?

Will Josh Emmett get a chance to fight for the belt next?

The featherweight division is now being ruled by Ilia Topuria after he defeated ‘Volk’ at UFC 298. Volkanovski, who is considered by many as the best featherweight fighter to date, failed to live up to the expectations this time around. He previously defended his title five times before losing to ‘El Matador’ this past weekend.

Topuria currently holds a record of 15-0 in his career with five wins via knockout. Except for this decision wins against Emmett and Youssef Zalal, Topuria has finished all his UFC opponents as well. “El Matador” after his win at UFC 298 showed his willingness to fight next in Spain. UFC CEO Dana White also seemed interested in conducting an event there.

However, he made it clear that the next opponent for Topuria was yet to be decided. While White is still unsure of his next opponent, the Spaniard recently shared his list of next, three probable opponents. Topuria mentioned Conor McGregor, Max Holloway, and Sean O’Malley as potential candidates for a featherweight title shot. However, Emmett was the one who forced the champion to fight for five rounds. Do you think Josh Emmett is worthy of a title shot next? Let us know in the comments below.

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