Ilia Topuria beat Josh Emmett via unanimous decision to continue his undefeated professional MMA run at UFC Jacksonville. The #9 vs. #5 featherweight matchup had all the makings of an entertainer and it did not disappoint.
Topuria and Emmett went to war in the featherweight main event of UFC Jacksonville. This was a key fight for the featherweight title picture. Emmett had fallen short against Yair Rodriguez in the interim title fight at UFC 284. A win against the high-flying Topuria would help him stake a claim in the title picture again.
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As for Topuria, the 26-year-old has looked unstoppable in his last few fights as he grew his undefeated record to 13-0. A win over Emmett could slingshot ‘El Matador’ up the rankings and into the title picture.
Fans react to UFC Jacksonville main event
The main event of UFC Jacksonville was mostly Ilia Topuria’s skill and dominance against Josh Emmett’s heart and defiance. The fight started competitively but the much younger Topuria had the upper hand. Topuria picked his shots carefully and dealt some serious damage to the veteran Emmett.
Topuria maintained his composure and dominated an opponent who was 12 years older. Nevertheless, Emmett survived near-finish moments multiple times to see the finish line. While Topuria showcased his skills, there was no question about Josh Emmett’s toughness.
Fans on Twitter had a lot to say about that bloody main event.
Ilia Topuria has officially arrived. What a performance.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 24, 2023
There was even a 50-42 scorecard after one of the judges scored round 4 10-7 in Topuria’s favor. This points to the sheer dominance ‘El Matador’ displayed during the fight.
50-42 is pretty rare. Don’t recall many of those (don’t hate it at all not complaining chill) pic.twitter.com/htalQjJ3eJ
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 24, 2023
Some fans had a suggestion for Topuria’s next fight.
Holloway Vs TKZ needs to be thrown away and have Topuria fight Max next. #UFCJacksonville
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) June 24, 2023
Meanwhile, others thought a previous fight discussion would be a mismatch after his latest performance.
And people actually thought Paddy Pimblett would beat Ilia Topuria 🤣🤣🤣
— Weasle (@ThaWeasle) June 24, 2023
The rising featherweight contender’s performance impressed a champion and a former champion as well.
The heart of Josh Emmett can NEVER be questioned! Wow! Topuria is putting on a showcase performance! #UFCJacksonville
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) June 24, 2023
Topuria and Emmet delivered.
Exciting main event#UFConABC5
— Charles 'DoBronxs' Oliveira (@CharlesDoBronxs) June 24, 2023
The fact that this was actually a discussion before the Paddy-Gordon fight is absolutely insane pic.twitter.com/uv0s8nxbv9
— Out Of Context MMA (@oocmma) June 24, 2023
Nobody can stop el matador
He's going to beat volk
Topuria is the next FW champ— Bleed_mma (@yearof_rudra) June 24, 2023
EL MATADOR COMING FOR THAT NO. 5 SPOT 😤📈@TopuriaIlia with a boxing masterclass in our main event! #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/i4KIlyvmyJ
— UFC (@ufc) June 24, 2023
Ilia Topuria freakin beast 🌹🐂
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) June 24, 2023
With the win, Topuria will probably break into the top 5 after the next rankings update. Where do you see the Georgian going from there?
What are your reactions to Emmett vs. Topuria? Do you think the winner will face the winner of Alexander Volkanovski vs. Yair Rodriguez? Or should he fight one more contender in the top 5 before calling for the title? Let us know in the comments below.
