Josh Emmett Vs Kevin Vallejos to main event UFC Vegas 114

The UFC has officially announced that Josh Emmett will face Kevin Vallejos in the main event of UFC Vegas 114, scheduled for March 14, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. The bout — a pivotal featherweight clash — pits seasoned veteran experience against explosive youthful momentum, spotlighting two ranked contenders who represent very different chapters of their MMA journeys.

Emmett’s Quest for Rebound at 40

At 40 years old, Josh Emmett has carved out a long and respected career in the UFC’s 145-pound division. The Sacramento-bred striker has competed inside the Octagon since 2016 and climbed as high as a title challenger, having fought for the interim UFC featherweight championship against Yair Rodríguez in 2023.

Emmett’s career has been defined by high-intensity striking, relentless pressure and the type of rugged toughness that earns fans’ respect. He’s compiled a 19-6 professional record, with a blend of knockout power and decision victories — seven wins by KO and two by submission.

However, recent years have been a rollercoaster for Emmett. After earning a high-profile title opportunity, he’s struggled to regain momentum, dropping four of his last five bouts against elite competition — including losses to Yair Rodríguez, Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy and most recently Youssef Zalal.

Still, his legacy is undeniable: a perennial contender who has consistently put on thrilling fights and remained in the conversation at the top of the featherweight ranks for years. UFC brass has entrusted him with the headliner against Vallejos not only for his name value but because he still carries the threat of an upset in any bout.

Vallejos: Argentina’s Rising Featherweight Prospect

Standing across from Emmett is Kevin “El Chino” Vallejos, a 24-year-old Argentine force who has taken the featherweight division by storm. Vallejos burst into UFC relevance after his Octagon debut in March 2025, and with just three UFC fights under his belt, he’s already climbed into the top 15, ranked #13 in the division.

Vallejos’ UFC record sits at 3-0, and his rise has been nothing short of explosive. The Argentine powerhouse finished Seungwoo Choi, earned a unanimous decision over Danny Silva, and picked up one of the most talked-about knockouts of 2025 with a spinning backfist and follow-up stopping Giga Chikadze — a finish that earned performance honors and instant acclaim.

With 12 knockouts and 2 submissions across his professional record and a penchant for early finishes — eight fights ended in the first round — Vallejos represents a new generation of featherweight contender built on dynamic striking and pressure.

Youth vs. Experience — Stakes at Featherweight

The booking of Emmett vs. Vallejos underscores a classic UFC storytelling theme: experience versus youth. Emmett, the seasoned gatekeeper who’s seen it all, is fighting to stop the skid and prove he still belongs among the featherweight elite. A win for him could stabilize his ranking and set up further high-profile bouts or even a path to returning to title contention.

For Vallejos, this fight is a chance to solidify himself as a legitimate contender in a stacked featherweight landscape. With every victory he’s taken significant strides toward the upper echelon of the division, and a main-event win over a veteran like Emmett could vault him into the top 10 and put him on the radar for even bigger fights down the line.

Given the contrasting career arcs — Emmett seeking redemption and Vallejos aiming to confirm his ascent — UFC Vegas 114 promises fireworks. Whether it’s the seasoned striker imposing his will or the rising Argentinian bursting onto the next level, this featherweight headliner is one of the most intriguing under-the-radar main events of early 2026.