UFC Jacksonville: Ilia Topuria moves into title contention with the destruction of Josh Emmett
By Adam Stocker
UFC Jacksonville: Ilia Topuria defeated Josh Emmett.
Ilia Topuria defeated Josh Emmett via (50-44, 50-42, 49-45), at UFC Jacksonville on Saturday, June 24, 2023, live from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL.
"To be honest, I expect to knock him out in the first round but Josh Emmett is a very very tough man... I am the next guy without any doubt. I want Alex (Volkanovski) to defend that belt," said Topuria who believes he is next in line for a title fight.
Emmett exploded to start the fight with combinations that landed. Emmett continued his high output. Topuria finally got going, landing a powerful uppercut. As the round went on, Emmett decided to operate on the outside of the Octagon. While Topuria controlled the middle. Topuria found some success with his jab and leg kicks.
The two fighters continued to trade strikes in the second round. Topuria's jab was taking a toll on Emmett's face as it swelled and reddened. Emmett's leg had taken a lot of damage, causing him to slip. Topuria dropped Emmett with a big right hook but Emmett was able to get back up immediately and trip Topuria. Emmett's face was a mess by the end of the second round. There were several tiny cuts.
The two fighters continued to come forward and attack. Both fighters continued to throw and land punches. Emmett's face was starting to get covered in blood as the cuts on his face widened. Topuria was not wearing as much damage but he was eating some big punches from Emmett. As Emmett made his way back to his corner, his team did as much as they could to reduce the swelling in his eye.
Topuria entered the fourth round for the first time in his career. Only one of Topuria's first 13 fights went the distance. Topuria landed another big leg kick that buckled Emmett. Topuria landed a jab that stopped Emmett as he came forward. Topuria dropped Emmett again. As Emmett tried to stand up, Topuria dropped him again with a strike. Eventually, Emmett fought up to his feet. Emmett showed great heart but Topuria was too much. Topuria dropped Emmett again and then started a burtal ground and pound. Emmett somehow survived.
Referee Mark Goddard paused the fight before the fifth round to let the doctor examine Emmett. The doctor quickly looked at Emmett before allowing the fight to continued. Emmett came out of his corner swinging for the fences. Emmett hurt Topuria but he could not follow it up. Topuria slowed down Emmett's momentum, landing a calf kick and another jab. Topuria landed a takedown halfway through the round. Emmett worked his way up to a knee but struggled to get back to a standing position. Emmett scrambled but Topuria did a great job of staying with him and maintaining his advantageous position until the end of the round.
Emmett entered Saturday's main event as the UFC's fifth-ranked featherweight. Topuria entered as the ninth-ranked fighter in the division. In his last fight, Emmett was submitted by Yair Rodriguez in an interim title fight at UFC 284. Topuria defeated Bryce Mitchell in his previous fight, submitting him at UFC 282 to maintain his undefeated record. With his impressive victory, Topuria seems destined for a future title fight. Topuria improved to 14-0 with 12 finishes.
UFC Jacksonville: Josh Emmett vs. Ilia Topuria takes place on Saturday, June 24, 2023, live from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL. Follow along with FanSided MMA for all your news and highlights.
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