Mirsad Bektic Believes Beating Josh Emmett Makes Him One of the Best in the Division

After a 13-month layoff, Mirsad Bektic is ready to set foot in the Octagon once again.

The 28-year-old last fought back at UFC 225 in June 2018, where he beat Ricardo Lamas by decision. His return to take on Renato Carneiro at UFC 231 was scuttled due to an injury, putting him on the sidelines for several months. This Saturday at UFC Sacramento, he will take on top-10 featherweight Josh Emmett (14-2). For the Bosnian-American, it is amazing to be able to fight again.

"It feels great, it has been crazy it is almost 13 months later," Bektic (13-1) said to Sherdog.com. "I'm very fortunate to have almost made it to fight night with no injuries and being healthy. Just have the right mindset and ready to compete."

Not only is he eager to fight again, but he says Emmett is the right opponent for his return. He believes ring rust will not play a factor, and expects it to remain standing the entire time where he feels his power will be too much for the Team Alpha Male product.

"This fight will be very explosive. I don't see it going the distance, and it is going be an explosive and dynamic kind of fight," he explained. "We are both going to utilize our hands and mine are going to win."

If Bektic does defeat Emmett, it would go a long way towards top-10 consideration, so he knows leaving Sacramento with a win is huge. He is confident that he is one of the best in the world, and is ready to start a climb to the top this weekend.

"It just puts me right where I was, just where I was last year," said Bektic. "Just very close to the top-five. Featherweight is the deepest division in the UFC and anyone in the top-10 is a tough fight. But, this solidifies me as one of the best in the division."