On June 24, a highly anticipated featherweight contest between 5th ranked Josh Emmett and the rising fighter Ilia Topuria will take place at UFC on ABC 5 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. Emmett Vs Topuria was scheduled to take place at the UFC Fight Night on June 17 previously. But they moved this marque fight on June 24 to promote UFC on a major broadcast network.
TOP BOOKMAKER
The young gun, Ilia Topuria, has been undefeated in MMA so far. He has competed in lightweight, featherweight, and bantamweight divisions so far. Standing against him is the experienced MMA fighter Josh Emmett. After losing his last fight for the interim championship, he enters this match as the underdog against the fan-favorite Ilia Topuria.
UFC on ABC 5 – Main Card
In addition to Josh Emmett Vs Ilia Topuria clash, there are only two other bouts scheduled for the night. Amanda Ribas vs Maycee Barber in the flyweight division and Tatsuro Taira vs Kleydson Rodrigues in 125 pounds division. The event would mark Ultimate Fighting Championship’s return to the ABC Airwaves network.
Emmett Vs Topuria – Preview
The 38-year-old Josh Emmett, also known as “The Fighting Falmer,” holds a record of 18 wins and 3 losses in UFC. He fights in an orthodox stance having a reach of 70 inches. Emmett has a striking accuracy of 37 percent and his striking defense stands at 61 percent. Coming to grappling, he has a takedown accuracy of 37 percent, with a takedown defense accuracy of 58 percent. His average fight time is around 12 minutes.
Emmett is stepping his feet into the octagon after suffering a loss to Yair Rodriguez, thus missing out on the opportunity to become the no. 1 contender for the featherweight title. But before this bout, he was on a five-match winning streak. His overall record in UFC is 18 wins and 3 losses.
Up against Josh Emmet is the undefeated Illia Topuria. This will be Topuria’s first five-round UFC bout. Illia could not have asked for a better form entering this fight, having a record of 5-0 in UFC.
The 5 feet 7 inches tall Illia Topuria weighing 145 pounds, does not take much time to finish his opponents. His fights last for around 7 minutes on average. Topuria’s striking accuracy is 49 percent, with 62 percent defense accuracy. He has a takedown accuracy of 46 percent, coupled with an impressive 92 percent takedown defense accuracy. Ilia Topuria has exhibited an excellent skillset and good finishing moves in UFC so far.
Illia Topuria has a major striking defense advantage over Emmet. He is the more accurate of the two fighters and is a threat on the ground. Emmet is a powerful striker, but he needs to be aware of his defensive weaknesses; otherwise, he would have a tough time against Topuria.
Final Verdict
Emmett vs Topuria will be a close contest between these two featherweights. Considering Topuria’s record and skillset, he has a better chance of stepping out of the octagon as the winner.
Want to place a bet on Josh Emmett vs Ilia Topuria? Look up Betway, Parimatch India, and FUN88 app for the best UFC betting deals in India.