Jamall Emmers


Jamall Leantwean Emmers is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Emmers transitioned to MMA from a high school and college wrestling background, but it was actually MMA that first inspired him. A fan of watching MMA fights with his dad and brother, Jamall's dad would rent PRIDE FC tapes from Blockbuster for them to watch. Emmers said he joined his high school wrestling team specifically to lay a foundation for a career in MMA.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career and DWCS

Emmers racked up 13–3 record in American regional circuit, most notably holding a decision wins against future UFC fighters Alexander Hernandez and Cory Sandhagen at LFA 5. Emmers was invited to the Dana White's Contender Series. He faced Julian Erosa at Dana White's Contender Series 11 on June 26, 2018. Despite knocking Erosa down in the first round, Emmers lost the fight via second-round knockout.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

After the Contender Series loss Emmers won four straight fights and was signed to the UFC to fight Movsar Evloev at UFC 248 on March 7, 2020, on short notice, replacing Douglas Silva de Andrade. However, Evloev was injured in a motorcycle accident and was replaced by Giga Chikadze. Emmers lost the fight via split decision.
Emmers was expected to make his sophomore appearance in the organization against Timur Valiev at UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Shahbazyan on August 1, 2020. However, Valiev withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Vince Cachero. Emmers won the fight via unanimous decision.
Emmers was next expected to face Chas Skelly at UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis on February 20, 2021. However, the bout was cancelled moments before it was expected to begin as Emmers suffered back spasms backstage rendering him unable to compete.
Emmers faced Pat Sabatini on August 28, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Barboza vs. Chikadze. Emmers knocked down Sabatini early in the fight, but was caught by a heel hook and forced to submit in round one.
Emmers was scheduled to face Daniel Pineda on May 14, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 36. However, the bout was scrapped in late April for unknown reasons.
Emmers faced Khusein Askhabov on February 18, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 219. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Emmers faced Jack Jenkins on June 24, 2023 at UFC on ABC: Emmett vs. Topuria. He lost the fight via split decision. 10 out of 10 media sources scored the fight in favor of Emmers.
Emmers faced Dennis Buzukja on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295. At the weigh-ins, Emmers came in at 147 pounds. His bout with Buzukja proceeded at catchweight with Emmers forfeiting 20 percent of his purse. He won the fight via TKO in the first minute of the first round.
Emmers faced Nate Landwehr on March 30, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 54. He lost the fight via knockout in round one.
Emmers faced Gabriel Miranda on March 29, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 64. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.
Emmers was scheduled to face Austin Bashi on November 8, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 264. However, Bashi pulled out due to an injury and was replaced by Hyder Amil. Emmers won the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

  • Hero FC
  • *Hero FC Featherweight Championship
  • **Two successful title defenses
  • SMASH Global
  • *SMASH Global Featherweight Championship