In this week’s riveting UFC Fight Night, MMA fans were eagerly counting down the minutes for yet another spectacular featherweight matchup. With his victory against Josh Emmett in a thrilling featherweight match, Ilia Topuria undoubtedly didn’t let the crowd down.
Josh could not find a way to overcome “El Matador” in Jacksonville, rather Ilia defeated him quite easily. However, Topuria is now aiming for two major fights rather than just one after defeating Emmett by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-42, 49-45).
Ilia Topuria on Max Holloway
The fight between “El Matador” and “The Fighting Falmer” was expected to be extremely fascinating for a variety of reasons. The number 5 and 9 ranked featherweight competitors were determined to boost their chances of getting a title shot.
Ilia Topuria just put the featherweight division on notice đ¤ #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/ZsqFNLcgAW
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 24, 2023
However, Topuria in the post-fight press conference expressed that he’d be waiting for Max Holloway to fight in Spain if he doesnât get a title shot immediately.
âIâm the next guy in the line. I can wait. One of the best skills that I have is the patience. If they offer me to fight with Max Holloway in Spain, letâs do it. If not, Iâm going to wait for my title fight. Thatâs all.â Topuria said.
Max Holloway’s next match has been announced by Dana White recently. The former featherweight champion will settle his dispute with Chun Sung Jung in Singapore.
Ilia Topuria believes he's "next in line" for a title shot and only a fight against Max Holloway in Spain could entice him not to wait đ #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/4eUzXHuLfn
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 24, 2023
Ilia Topuria deserves the title shot
Topuria may have said that he is interested in a fight in Spain against Holloway but that doesn’t mean the undefeated fighter isn’t ready to take on the featherweight king.
In professional mixed martial arts, Topuria, who debuted in the UFC in 2020, has never lost. The 25-year-old fighter increased his winning streak to 14 tonight with a victory over Emmett showing that no one can match his level of skill inside the cage.
Ilia Topuria makes his way to the press conference with a background track đŁď¸đś #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/5dP36KbhXf
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 24, 2023
While talking about his future ambitions with the MMA Hour, the undefeated fighter Topuria said that he knows he can finish anyone in the featherweight division. Taking on Alexander Volkanovski would be a bit tough for Topuria but he hopes to find a way to defeat ‘The Great’.
“Itâs not going to be different with Alex. The recipe is going to be the same. Iâm going to knock him out in the first round, second round. If not, Iâm going to dominate him for five rounds, no problem.” Topuria added.
Volkanovski will face Yair Rodriguez in his next important octagon contest. On Saturday, July 8 in Las Vegas, the main event of UFC 290 will feature a contest between El Pantera and The Great.
Ilia Topuria dropping people with the 3 piece
— đ´á´Ęá´á´Ęá´á´ę°á´Ąá´Ęđ´ (@TheArtOfWar6) June 25, 2023
Do you think Ilia Topuria will get a title shot anytime soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.