Vallejos Dominates Emmett in UFC Vegas 114 Main Event

Pros react to Kevin Vallejos' impressive first-round knockout victory over Josh Emmett.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:38am

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In the main event of UFC Vegas 114, 24-year-old Kevin Vallejos delivered a dominant performance, finishing longtime featherweight contender Josh Emmett with a relentless striking onslaught in the first round. Vallejos' victory has generated significant buzz, with fellow fighters like Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad praising his performance and suggesting he should rematch Jean Silva next.

Why it matters

Vallejos' decisive win over the highly-ranked Emmett establishes him as a rising star in the UFC featherweight division. His ability to finish a veteran like Emmett in such impressive fashion has caught the attention of the MMA community and sets him up for bigger fights and opportunities going forward.

The details

Vallejos controlled the fight from the opening bell, showcasing his superior striking skills and relentless pressure. He landed a barrage of punches and kicks that eventually led to the knockout finish with less than 90 seconds remaining in the first round. This was Vallejos' first UFC main event appearance, and he proved he was ready for the spotlight with a dominant performance.

  • The UFC Vegas 114 main event took place on March 14, 2026.

The players

Kevin Vallejos

A 24-year-old rising star in the UFC featherweight division who delivered an impressive first-round knockout victory over Josh Emmett in the UFC Vegas 114 main event.

Josh Emmett

A longtime featherweight contender in the UFC who was defeated by Kevin Vallejos in the main event of UFC Vegas 114.

Gilbert Burns

A former UFC fighter who praised Vallejos' performance, calling him a "monster".

Belal Muhammad

A former UFC champion who suggested Vallejos should rematch Jean Silva next.

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What they’re saying

“Vallejos is a monster!”

— Gilbert Burns

“Vallejos should rematch Jean Silva next.”

— Belal Muhammad, Former UFC Champion

What’s next

The UFC will likely look to book Vallejos in a high-profile fight next, potentially a rematch with Jean Silva or a matchup against another top featherweight contender.

The takeaway

Kevin Vallejos has firmly established himself as a rising star in the UFC featherweight division with his dominant victory over Josh Emmett. His impressive performance has earned him praise from fellow fighters and sets him up for bigger opportunities in the future as he continues to climb the ranks.