Josh Emmett shows facial damage one hour after Curtis Blaydes fight

Just over an hour after the final bell at UFC 327, featherweight contender Josh Emmett took to social media to show the world exactly what a war with Curtis Blaydes looks like up close — and the image was not pretty.

Emmett shared a photo revealing visible facial damage sustained during the bout, noting his jaw was giving him trouble in the aftermath. Despite the punishment absorbed, Emmett reportedly maintained his trademark composure and demeanor in the post. The three-round contest between the two generated more than 350 significant strikes landed combined and was awarded Fight of the Night honors.

Emmett, 41, competes at featherweight and enters the record books at 19-7-0, currently ranked ninth in the division. Fighting out of Team Alpha Male, the six-foot-tall orthodox striker averages 3.67 significant strikes per minute and brings genuine durability and toughness to every performance.

His opponent, Curtis "Razor" Blaydes, is a heavyweight contender ranked fourth in the world with a 19-6-0 record. The 35-year-old from the Elevation Fight Team stands six-foot-four with an 80-inch reach and is one of the most prolific takedown artists in the UFC, averaging 5.38 takedowns per 15 minutes. Blaydes lands significant strikes at 3.56 per minute with 50 percent accuracy, making him a dangerous threat in all phases.

Why it matters

• The Fight of the Night bonus confirms this was among the most action-packed bouts on the UFC 327 card
• Emmett's willingness to engage in a firefight outside his natural weight class underscores his reputation as one of the sport's most resilient competitors
• The visible damage Emmett sustained so shortly after the fight highlights the physical toll of a contest that produced more than 350 combined significant strikes across three rounds