UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Topuria Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks

The bout between Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria is the main event of Saturday’s UFC spectacle in Jacksonville, Florida. Dana White and the organization love Jacksonville, and they are always happy to come back there and give the fans a show they will remember. The featherweight division has plenty of contenders for the throne, and both of these guys are somewhere in the mix. Emmett is a veteran, an old dog, who was a part of the battle for the interim UFC featherweight title. Topuria is one of the hottest talents in the organization, and a success here would be his boom on the big stage. 

Preview

Josh Emmett (+260) was one step short of the title shot. He was beaten by Yair Rodriguez in the interim title clash via submission in the second round. It was the end of his very successful row, where he posted five victories. He doesn’t have many chances to return to the title talks, and this might be his last because Emmett turned 38 years. 

The American is a vicious puncher who is able to knock out anyone in the division. His striking output is very high, the same as his boxing. Emmett wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for that. Other than that, he is more or less a limited fighter, though with good cardio. Grappling and wrestling aren’t his cups of tea.

Emmett’s resume includes triumphs over Michael Johnson, Mirsad Bektic, Shane Burgos, Dan Ige, and Calvin Kattar. Overall, he has 18 wins and three defeats so far. The veteran is aware that he has to win here to stay relevant. Otherwise, he is out of the picture.

Ilia Topuria (-330) is a hot prospect with 13 wins and zero losses so far and with only 26 years. In general, many would say that the time is ahead of him, but the Georgian wants to step up on the big scene now. He didn’t have challenges like this one, and if Topuria wins, he will be acknowledged as a respectable rival.

This guy’s primary weapon is wrestling and cardio; so far, he has been extremely confident in that aspect of the battle. Pretty much all the fighters from the region are very skilled on the mat, and Topuria is the perfect example. His takedowns are frequent and laser-precise, and when it comes to stamina, he can compete with anyone in the division.

As for his resume, Bryce Mitchell and Ryan Hall are the top two names, which isn’t that impressive. Topuria’s record in the UFC is five wins in five appearances with four finishes.

Prediction

You’ve probably noticed that Emmett’s experience is much bigger than his rival’s, but so is his age. There is no way that he can endure Topuria’s constant attacks and takedown attempts. At one point, he will crack down, and the Georgian will take the fight to the ground. When that happens, Emmett is gone. He couldn’t defend on the mat against Rodriguez, who is much weaker in grappling and wrestling than Topuria. The American’s time is over, and this fight will prove this claim.

Pick: Ilia Topuria -330