Ilia Topuria calls for title shot after beatdown over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville
UFC featherweight contender Ilia Topuria called for a title shot at 145lbs after his one-sided beatdown over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville.
Topuria outstruck and outwrestled Emmett over the course of five rounds, earning 50-42, 50-44, and 49-45 scorecards from the judges for his one-sided victory. It was Topuria’s sixth straight win in the UFC as he improved to 14-0 in his MMA career.
With a record like that, it’s easy to see why Topuria believes he is ready for a title shot. At UFC 290 next month, UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski puts his belt on the line when he takes on interim champion Yair Rodriguez.
Speaking to the media following his big win over Emmett at UFC Jacksonville, Topuria called for the winner, which he predicts to be Volkanovski.
“I showed it tonight that no one can match my level of skill inside the cage. I think everyone is in (agreement) with me. I know that I can finish anyone in this division. Just it was tough tonight. But I beat him pretty easy. It’s not going to be different with Alex. The recipe is going to be the same. I’m going to knock him out in the first round, second round. If not, I’m going to dominate him for five rounds, no problem,” Topuria said (via MMAjunkie.com).
While Topuria has earned a title shot following his impressive UFC run, there is always the chance the promotion asks him to take one more fight before he battles or the strap. If that’s the case, then the only other opponent who Topuria would have interest in fighting is Max Holloway, and he would love to fight him in Spain.
“I’m 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, let’s do it. If not, I’m going to wait for my title fight. That’s all,” Topuria said.
Do you think Ilia Topuria earned a featherweight title shot following his big win over Josh Emmett at UFC Jacksonville?
