The top featherweight contenders will still clash in a major UFC event, but now they have a new history.
Originally set for June 17, Josh Emmett will now compete in his second major promotion event against Ilia Topuria, who will compete in his first five-round UFC match, a week later on June 24.
UFC President Dana White officially announced the new date on Thursday Instagram Live.
The match will headline the event in Jacksonville, Florida, with the venue yet to be announced. The main card will air live on ABC and ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET.
Emmett is sixth in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie Featherweight Rankings, with Topuria ranked 11th.
Emmett (18-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) will look to bounce back from the UFC 284 loss he lost to Yair Rodriguez in February. Prior to his relapse, Emmett had won five straight times, including victories over Calvin Kattar, Shane Burgos, and Dan Egg.
Topuria (13-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC) remains exemplary as a pro, as he enters his first UFC main event. He most recently competed at UFC 282 in December when Bryce Mitchell introduced the wrestler.
With this shift, the UFC Fight Night lineup for June 24 now includes:
- Josh Emmett vs. Elijah Topuria
- Maisie Barber vs. Amanda Ribas