Rob Emerson
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Rob Emerson
| other_names = The Saint
| image =
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Robert Michael Emerson[https://boxing.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/boxingnvgov/content/results/2008_Results/02-02-08MMA.pdf Mixed martial arts show results Date: February 2, 2008]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|7|30}}
| birth_place = Newport Beach, California, United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality = American
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}
| weight = {{convert|135|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = Lightweight (2002–2012)
Featherweight (2013–present)
Bantamweight (2014–present)
| reach = {{convert|71.0|in|cm|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/rob-emerson-the-saint|title=Rob "The Saint" Emerson's Tapology Profile|publisher=tapology.com|accessdate=2014-07-19}}
| style =
| stance = Orthodox
| fighting_out_of = Phoenix, AZ, United States
| team = The MMA Lab (2016–present)
Team Oyama (formerly)
Kings MMA
Church Boyz Wrestling
| rank = Black Belt in Kyokushin Karate Brown Belt in Kajukenbo
| years_active = 2002–present
| mma_kowin = 6
| mma_subwin = 7
| mma_decwin = 8
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss = 3
| mma_decloss = 12
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc = 1
| url =
| sherdog =5286
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Robert Michael Emerson (born July 30, 1981) is an American professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2002, Emerson is also a veteran of Bellator MMA, the UFC, Pancrase, and was a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter 5.
Background
Emerson was born in Huntington Beach, California and grew up in Dana Point, California.{{cite podcast|url=https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hdWRpb2Jvb20uY29tL2NoYW5uZWxzLzQzNzIzNzMucnNz/episode/YjQ2ZTEyMDI2ZWQxZmJhMmZkMDk5YjhkYjUyMmQ1ZjE|title=Rob Emerson, Kamaru Usman, Justin Wood, Weendawg|date=January 18, 2018|host=Adam Hunter}} He started training Kyokushin Karate at the age of nine and picked up also Kajukenbo later.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydnuCgVaG94 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/ydnuCgVaG94 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=American D.R.M. Podcast- EP 4 Rob "The Saint" Emerson|date=August 21, 2021|via=YouTube|author=Drei Marghitas}}{{cbignore}} Being severely bullied in the school for his Tourettes, Emerson got into lots of fights in his juvenile years. While preparing to embark on a military career, Emerson went to an unsanctioned mixed martial arts show and ended up fighting there, kindling a fire to pursue a career in the sport.
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
After being released from jail in 2002, Emerson made his professional debut against Jens Pulver at an Ultimate Wrestling event on June 29, 2002. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.
=The Ultimate Fighter=
According to Emerson, he bypassed the tryouts as he was invited to participate directly to The Ultimate Fighter 5. On episode three of the season, Emerson faced eventual winner of the show, Nate Diaz. In the second round of an exciting, back-and-forth fight, Diaz managed to secure a rear naked choke for the win. However, B.J. Penn told the viewers that he could not take anything away from Emerson, as he had given the fight his all.{{cite web |last1=MMAWeekly.Com Staff |title=Flashback Fight: Nate Diaz Takes Out Rob Emerson In TUF 5 Opening Round |url=https://www.mmaweekly.com/flashback-fight-nate-diaz-takes-out-rob-emerson-in-tuf-5-opening-round |website=mmaweekly.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=25 May 2011}} After Gabe Ruediger was taken off the show for his inability to make the 155 lb weight limit Dana White brought Emerson back. Corey Hill, Ruediger's initial opponent, picked him to fight.{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Jesse |title=Recap: The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 5 episode 5 |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2007/05/04/recap-the-ultimate-fighter-tuf-5-episode-5 |website=mmamania.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=4 May 2007}}
The first round belonged to Hill as Emerson had problems getting inside and dealing with his substantial reach advantage. In the second round, Emerson was able to take a shot at Hill and get out of range effectively. He even locked in a heel hook when the action hit the mat, earning him the round and forcing the bout to a third and deciding stanza. In the third, both fighters spent most of their time circling each other, and while Emerson appeared to score the most effective blows of the round with kicks to the leg, the decision went to Hill, who put Team Pulver back in the win column and in control heading into episode seven.
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
Emerson faced fellow Team Penn teammate, Gray Maynard, on the undercard of The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale. Maynard dominated in the first round (the only effective work of Emerson's being a flying knee and a takedown). The second round began with Gray picking up Emerson and slamming him to the canvas. Due to an aggravated injury of the ribs, Emerson submitted. During the fall, however, Maynard accidentally spiked himself on the floor and seemingly rendered himself unconscious. The bout was declared a no-contest.{{cite web
|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news;_ylt=AkdY6614qcSH.HmqRSO1_sOUxLYF?slug=ki-ufcnotes062307&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=Notes: Maynard beats himself|publisher=Yahoo! Sports|date=June 23, 2007}}
In his next fight at UFC 81, Emerson won a split decision over Keita Nakamura. Nakamura dropped Emerson with a knee at the end of the first round after Emerson had outstruck him for much of the round. Emerson came back strong in the second round, landing crisp combinations that left Nakamura's face a mess. Nakamura scored takedowns in the third round on a visibly tiring Emerson, but it was not enough to win him the split decision as the scores read (30–27, 28–29, and 30–27) in favor of Emerson.
At UFC 87, Emerson knocked out Manvel Gamburyan in only 12 seconds, earning him "Knockout of the Night" honors.{{cite web |last1=Crawford |first1=Percy |title=Rob Emerson: "That Was The Worst Knockout I've Seen In A Long Time" |url=http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content3412.html |website=fighthype.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=12 September 2008}}
His next fight at UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens was against Kurt Pellegrino.{{cite web |last1=MMAmania.com |title=Kurt Pellegrino vs Rob Emerson UFC Fight Night 17 bout on tap |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2008/12/03/kurt-pellegrino-vs-rob-emerson-ufc-fight-night-17-bout-on-tap |website=mmamania.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=3 December 2008}} Emerson lost the fight at 3:14 of the second round due to submission (rear naked choke); the first submission loss of Emerson's professional career.{{cite web |last1=Mindenhall |first1=Chuck |title=Early stoppage came too late for Pellegrino |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/mma/post/_/id/6453/early-stoppage-comes-too-late-for-pellegrino |website=espn.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=27 November 2011}}
Emerson was scheduled to fight George Sotiropoulos at UFC 101 but was forced to withdraw because of a hand injury and was replaced by George Roop.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15611/cut-forces-rob-emerson-out-of-ufc-101-bout-george-roop-reported-as-replacement.mma|title=Cut forces Rob Emerson out of UFC 101 bout; George Roop reported as replacement|author=John Morgan|publisher=MMAjunkie.com}}
Emerson lost at UFC 103 by decision to Rafael dos Anjos on September 19, 2009. He agreed to the contest after Matt Wiman was forced to withdraw after suffering a knee injury.{{cite web |last=Morgan |first=John |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15613/injury-forces-matt-wiman-out-of-ufc-103-rob-emerson-expected-to-face-rafael-dos-anjos.mma |title=Injury forces Matt Wiman out of UFC 103, Rob Emerson expected to face Rafael dos Anjos |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date= |accessdate=2009-07-24}}
Emerson next faced Phillipe Nover on February 6, 2010, at UFC 109{{cite news |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=9882&zoneid=13 |title=Rob Emerson vs. Phillipe Nover at UFC 109
|publisher=mmaweekly.com |accessdate=2009-10-29}} and won a unanimous decision.{{cite web |last1=Holland |first1=Jesse |title=Phillipe Nover released from the UFC following his Feb. 6 loss to Rob Emerson |url=https://www.mmamania.com/2010/2/11/1305835/phillipe-nover-released-from-the |website=mmamania.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=11 February 2010}}
Emerson faced Nik Lentz at UFC Fight Night 21. He lost via unanimous decision and was released from his UFC contract.{{cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2010/04/rob-emerson-brad-blackburn-and-fabricio-camoes-receive-ufc-release|title=Rob Emerson, Brad Blackburn and Fabricio Camoes released by UFC|date=April 15, 2010|work=MMAjunkie.com}}
=Independent promotions=
Emerson defeated Rodney Rhoden by TKO in round one at Pure Combat 12.
Emerson faced Eric Reynolds at AOF 10 on December 4, 2010. He won the fight via split decision.
Emerson fought Justin Salas at Full Force Fighting: Vol. 1 on January 29, 2011. Emerson lost to Salas via unanimous decision.{{cite web |title=Full Force Fighting: Salas defeats Emerson |date=30 January 2011 |last1=Tatum |first1=Rob |url=http://mmadiehards.com/features/full-force-fighting-recap-salas-defeats-emerson/ |accessdate=2011-01-30 |publisher=MMA DieHards |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110203231904/http://mmadiehards.com/features/full-force-fighting-recap-salas-defeats-emerson/ |url-status=dead |archivedate=2011-02-03}}
Emerson defeated WEC Veteran Savant Young at Tachi Palace Fighting 12: Second Coming via rear-naked choke submission in round three.
Emerson defeated Jason Williams at FCOC: Fight Club OC via rear naked choke. Following this, he fought at the next Fight Club OC event, defeating Musa Toliver by triangle choke.
=Bellator MMA=
Emerson was expected to face Patricio Freire at Bellator 97 on July 31, 2013, when he would make his Featherweight and Bellator Debut. However, on July 12, 2013, it was announced that Emerson would withdraw due to injury and was replaced by Jared Downing.{{cite web |last1=MMA Junkie Staff |title=Jared Downing replaces Rob Emerson, meets Patricio 'Pitbull' at Bellator 97 |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2013/07/jared-downing-replaces-rob-emerson-meets-patricio-pitbull-at-bellator-97 |website=mmajunkie.usatoday.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=12 July 2013}}
Emerson eventually would make his Bellator debut against Jared Downing on October 18, 2013 at Bellator 104. He won the fight via heel hook submission in the first round.{{cite web |last1=Sportsnet Staff |title=Grove, Hawn come out on top at Bellator 104 |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/ufc/grove-hawn-come-out-on-top-at-bellator-104/ |website=sportsnet.ca |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=19 October 2013}}
Emerson made his Bantamweight debut against Joe Taimanglo on April 11, 2014 at Bellator 116. He won via unanimous decision.{{cite web |title=Taimanglo Drops Decision In Bellator 116 |url=https://www.guamsportsnetwork.com/2014/taimanglo-drops-decision-in-bellator-116/ |website=guamsportsnetwork.com |access-date=28 May 2022 |date=12 April 2014}}
Emerson faced Rafael Silva at Bellator 127 on October 3, 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Bellator-127-Main-Card-Finalized-with-Rafael-SilvaRob-Emerson-Bantamweight-Tilt-73807|title=Bellator 127 Main Card Finalized with Rafael Silva and Rob Emerson Bantamweight Tilt}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Subsequently, California State Athletic Commission suspended Emerson for 18 months after testing positive for prescription drug Modafinil. The suspension was then reduced to five months.{{cite web|url=https://www.bjpenn.com/mmanews/csac-reduces-rob-emersons-suspension/|title=CSAC Reduces Rob Emerson's Suspension|author=Chris Taylor|date=February 19, 2015|website=bjpenn.com}}
=Regional circuit=
After his stint in Bellator, Emerson signed with Victory FC where he became both Bantamweight and Featherweight champion in his first two fights, respectively. He lost his Bantamweight Championship before signing with Russian promotion Absolute Championship Akhmat where he eventually racked a 1–2 record.
Emerson was next scheduled to face Charles Bennett in a bare-knuckle MMA bout at Gamebred FC 2 on September 11, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/7/29/22601147/rob-emerson-vs-felony-charles-bennett-booked-for-second-gamebred-fighting-championship-event|title=Rob Emerson vs. 'Felony' Charles Bennett booked for second Gamebred Fighting Championship event|date=July 29, 2021|publisher=mmafighting.com}} However, the event would be rescheduled for October 1, 2021. Emerson won by knockout in the first round.
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Gray Maynard
- Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Manny Gamburyan
- Victory Fighting Championship
- VFC Bantamweight Championship (One time; former)
- VFC Featherweight Championship (One time; current)
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc= 1
| ko-wins= 6
| ko-losses=
| sub-wins= 7
| sub-losses= 3
| dec-wins= 8
| dec-losses= 12
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center| {{nowrap|21–15 (1)}}
|KO (punches)
|Gamebred FC 2
|{{dts|2021|October|1}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:36
|Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
|{{small|Bare Knuckle MMA.}}
|-
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 20–15 (1)
|Dileno Lopes
|Submission (Guillotine Choke)
|{{dts|2019|November|15}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|3:00
|Warsaw, Poland
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 20–14 (1)
| Mikhail Malyutin
| Decision (unanimous)
| |ACA 93: Balaev vs Zhamaldaev
| {{dts|2019|March|16}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| St. Petersburg, Russia
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 20–13 (1)
| Magomedrasul Khasbulaev
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| WFCA 54: Dudaev vs. Taimanglo
| {{dts|2018|November|16}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:57
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 20–12 (1)
| Shamil Shakhbulatov
| Decision (unanimous)
| |ACB 87: Whiteford vs Mousah
| {{dts|2018|May|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Nottingham, England
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 19–12 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| VFC 56
| {{dts|2017|April|14}}
| align=center|5
| align=center|5:00
| Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| {{small|Lost the VFC Bantamweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 19–11 (1)
| Ryan Roberts
| TKO (knee injury)
| VFC 54
| {{dts|2016|December|9}}
| align=center|1
| align=center|1:34
| Omaha, Nebraska, United States
| {{small|Won the VFC Featherweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 18–11 (1)
| Shawn West
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| VFC 51
| {{dts|2016|June|24}}
| align=center|3
| align=center|5:00
| Urbandale, Iowa, United States
| {{small|Won the VFC Bantamweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 17–11 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2014|October|3}}
| align=center|3
| align=center|5:00
| Temecula, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 17–10 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2014|April|11}}
| align=center|3
| align=center|5:00
| Temecula, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 16–10 (1)
| Submission (inverted heel hook)
| {{dts|2013|October|18}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:44
| Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–10 (1)
| Musa Toliver
| Submission (triangle choke)
| FCOC: Fight Club OC
| {{dts|2012|October|4}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:20
|Costa Mesa, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–10 (1)
| Jason Williams
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| FCOC: Fight Club OC
| {{dts|2012|August|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:05
| Costa Mesa, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–10 (1)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| {{dts|2012|March|9}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:29
| Lemoore, California, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 12–10 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| Full Force Fighting: Vol. 1
| {{dts|2011|January|30}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Denver, Colorado, United States
| {{small|For FFF Lightweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{Yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–9 (1)
| Decision (split)
| Art of Fighting 10
| {{dts|2010|December|04}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Estero, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{Yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–9 (1)
| Rodney Rhoden
| TKO (punches)
| Pure Combat 12: Champions for Children
| {{dts|2010|September|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:33
| Clovis, California, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–9 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi
| {{dts|2010|March|31}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–8 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 109
| {{dts|2010|February|06}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–8 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 103
| {{dts|2009|September|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Dallas, Texas, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 9–7 (1)
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens
| {{dts|2009|February|07}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 3:14
| Tampa, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–6 (1)
| KO (punches)
| UFC 87
| {{dts|2008|August|09}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 0:12
| Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–6 (1)
| Decision (split)
| UFC 81
| {{dts|2008|February|02}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{nocontest}}NC
| align=center| 7–6 (1)
| NC (double KO due to slam)
| The Ultimate Fighter 5 Finale
| {{dts|2007|June|23}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:39
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–6
| Kenji Arai
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2006|August|27}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Yokohama, Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–6
| Takafumi Ito
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2006|May|02}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Tokyo, Japan
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–6
| Jamie Schmidt
| TKO (punches)
| TC 13: Anarchy
| {{dts|2006|March|11}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:02
| Del Mar, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–6
| Julian Samaniego
| TKO (punches)
| {{dts|2005|September|23}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:15
| San Jacinto, California, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 3–6
| Decision (split)
| RCF: Cold Hearted
| {{dts|2005|February|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 3–5
| Randy Velarde
| Decision (majority)
| {{dts|2004|November|14}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| San Jacinto, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–4
| Joe Camacho
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2004|September|29}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| San Jacinto, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–4
| Justin Berkley
| Submission (arm-triangle choke)
| TC 3: Total Combat 3
| {{dts|2004|May|30}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| N/A
| Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–4
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2004|April|18}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Osaka, Japan
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 1–3
| Decision (split)
| Shooto USA: Warrior Spirit: Evolution
| {{dts|2003|November|14}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–2
| Submission (achilles lock)
| Hitman Fighting 3
| {{dts|2003|May|2}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| Santa Ana, California, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 0–2
| Jamal Perkins
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2002|December|07}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| San Jacinto, California, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 0–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| UW: Ultimate Wrestling
| {{dts|2002|June|29}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
|
{{end}}
See also
References
External links
- {{Sherdog}}
- {{UFC|rob-emerson}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Emerson, Rob}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Kyokushin kaikan
Category:Mixed martial artists from California
Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists
Category:Sportspeople from Newport Beach, California
Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists
Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists
Category:Sportspeople from Irvine, California