It will be No. 5 vs. No. 9 in the UFC featherweight division tonight, with Josh Emmett taking on Ilia Topuria in the main event of Fight Night.
Emmett, 38, is looking to bounce back from a grueling loss, having been introduced by Yair Rodriguez in February when the duo battled for the interim title. Prior to this loss, Emmett was on a winning streak, and the American can return to title contention with a thrilling victory on Saturday.
But he faces a tough test in Topuria, as the 26-year-old enters Jacksonville with a 13-0 professional record, including 12 stoppage wins. Most recently, the Georgian beat Bryce Mitchell in December, surprising the submission specialist by forcing him out. With the win, Topuria has entered the top 10 at featherweights, and he could take another step tonight.
An undisputed champion will be crowned in July when Rodriguez challenges official champion Aleksander Volkanowski, and the winner of Saturday’s main event can establish himself as the next contender for the gold.
Here’s everything you need to know.
when is it?
The event will take place Saturday, June 24th at Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville.
Playoffs are scheduled to begin at 4:30 PM BST (8:30 AM PT, 10:30 AM PT, 11:30 AM ET). The main card to continue is set for 8pm BST (12pm PT, 2pm ET, 3pm ET).
How can I watch?
The card will be broadcast live on BT Sport in the UK, with the broadcaster’s app and website also broadcasting the fights.
In the US, ESPN+ will broadcast the event live, as will the fight card from the UFC.
opportunities
topuria – 5/2
Emmett – 30/100
full card (subject to change)
Rising featherweight contender Eliya Topuria
(Getty Images)
key card
Josh Emmett vs. Eliya Topuria (Featherweight)
Amanda Ribas vs. Maisie Barber (women’s flyweight)
Austin Lin vs. Justin Tava (Heavyweight)
David Onama – Gabriel Santos (featherweight)
Brendan Allen – Bruno Silva (welterweight)
preliminary
Neil Magney vs Phil Rowe (Lightweight)
Randy Brown – Wellington Turman (Lightweight)
Mateusz Rybicki vs Loyk Radzabov (Lightweight)
Tabatha Richie vs. Jillian Robertson (strawweight)
Zhalgas Zhumagulov – Joshua Van (flyweight)
Trevor Beck vs Victor Martinez (Lightweight)
Jamal Emers vs Jack Jenkins (Featherweight)
Tatsuro Taira – Clydeson Rodriguez (flyweight)
Cody Brundage vs Cedriques Dumas (welterweight)
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