Jamall Emmers suffers nasty knee injury after entering 50-50 position with Pat Sabatini at UFC on ESPN 30

Jamall Emmers paid the price Saturday when he engaged in 50-50 guard with Pat Sabatini at UFC on ESPN 30.

After he dropped Sabatini (15-3 MMA, 2-0 UFC) with a short uppercut, Emmers (18-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC) followed his opponent to the canvas and eventually worked for a toehold. In doing so, Emmers opened himself up for a heel hook from Sabatini – and paid the price when he tapped out at 1:53 of Round 1.

UFC on ESPN 30 took place Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The main card aired on ESPN/ESPN+ after prelims on ESPN+.

A painful scream accompanied Emmers’ tap. As Sabatini untangled himself from his writhing opponent, it was evident Emmers’ agony extended beyond the outcome of his fight. An injury was sustained, though to what extent was unknown. Emmers remained on the mat through the official decision as on-site medical professionals tended to his leg.

In his post-fight interview, Sabatini expressed disappointment the fight ended in such a gruesome way and wished Emmers well. The win was Sabatini’s 11th by submission, but his first finish in the UFC.

As for Emmers, he lands back into the loss column after a win against Vince Cachero in August 2020.

The up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 30 results include:

• Pat Sabatini def. Jamall Emmers via submission (heel hook) – Round 1, 1:53

• Mana Martinez def. Guido Cannetti via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)