Josh Emmett

2025 STars hall of fame

Josh Emmett

MMA Fighter

Pasadena El | Arcade MS | El Camino HS

Josh Emmett has risen to the global stage as one of the world’s premier featherweight fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

 Josh’s journey began in the San Juan Unified School District, where he attended Pasadena Elementary School and later Arcade Fundamental Middle School. It was at El Camino High School where Josh first discovered his passion for wrestling, a sport that would become the foundation of his combat sports career. During his high school years, Josh also met his future wife, Vanessa Emmett, beginning a relationship that has endured through his rise to UFC stardom.

After high school, Josh continued wrestling at Sacramento City College before transferring to Menlo College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in psychology.

Building on more than a decade of wrestling experience, Josh transitioned to mixed martial arts, training with Urijah Faber’s renowned Team Alpha Male. He turned professional in 2011, starting with an undefeated amateur streak and quickly securing regional titles—including the West Coast Fighting Championship Lightweight Championship and the ISCF California Lightweight Championship.

In 2016, Josh made his UFC debut—overcoming a broken finger mid-fight to win by split decision. Since then, he’s compiled a professional MMA record of 19 wins and 5 losses, competing at the highest levels of the sport.

UFC Achievements

Josh has earned multiple UFC awards throughout his career:

  • Performance of the Night vs. Bryce Mitchell (2023)

  • Fight of the Night honors in bouts against Calvin Kattar and Ilia Topuria

  • Performance of the Night vs. Mirsad Bektić (2019)

Josh is married to his high school sweetheart, Vanessa Emmett, and together they share their home with their French Bulldog, Apollo. His personal life reflects the same dedication and loyalty that has defined his professional career.

Josh’s resilience and discipline make him an inspiration—not just to athletes, but to anyone striving to reach their goals. He proves that with hard work, perseverance, and self-belief, students from San Juan Unified can shine anywhere. From the wrestling mats of El Camino High School to the bright lights of the UFC, Josh Emmett embodies the American dream of achieving greatness through determination and unwavering commitment