Ilia Topuria believes he will be closer than ever to a UFC championship after this weekend.
In the main event of UFC Jacksonville, Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria will clash in a pivotal featherweight showdown. Going into the bout, Topuria is ranked ninth in the UFC 145 pounder ranking. Emmett’s position Number Five is in jeopardy, and he hopes to stop Elijah Topuria’s rise to the top.
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If Elijah Topuria emerges victorious over Josh Emmett, he can expect a title shot. He made his intentions clear during the pre-fight press conference at UFC Jacksonville (h/t MMAJunkie).
“I’m the next guy in line,” Topuria said. “Who is more worthy than me to fight for the title? Nobody else. So I’m the next guy.”
The rising featherweight has continued to anticipate his bout with Josh Emmett, and is not expected to continue.
“I will take him out in the first round,” said Topuria. “Of course it’s a little bigger if you beat someone who pays pound for pound No. 1. It’s bigger than if Yair beat him, and I beat Yair. Because Yair has lost a lot of fights with a lot of ranked guys – with Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar. He’s lost a lot of fights.” I’d rather fight against Alex than win against him.”
Elijah Topuria insisted he wasn’t missing out on Emmett. He said his hard work over the years has given him the confidence to claim his title opportunity.
Topuria is off to a great start in his MMA career. He has a perfect pro record of 13-0. Elijah Topuria is fresh from a huge second round win over previously undefeated Bryce Mitchell.