MMA Preview – Josh Emmett vs Ilia Topuria at UFC on ABC 5
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
JOSH EMMETT VS ILIA TOPURIA FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 5? Saturday 24th June, 2023 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 5? VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 5? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 5
What channel is UFC on ABC 5 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 5? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JOSH EMMETT VS ILIA TOPURIA LOWDOWN
Josh Emmett (18-3) returns after missing out on an interim featherweight title. He met fellow top contender Yair Rodriguez back in February and experienced the unfamiliar feeling of getting outclassed. He got caught in a triangle choke which snapped an impressive five-fight win streak and now he flies over to Jacksonville to resurrect his title hopes.
Ilia Topuria (13-0) is storming towards gold and knows a convincing win over Emmett will fast-track him to his opportunity. He handed Youssef Zalal (2020) his first UFC loss on debut and has gone on to knock out Damon Jackson (2020), Ryan Hall (2021), Jai Herbert (2022) and put on a clinic against Bryce Mitchell (2022) submitting him in the second round handing the grappler his first loss.
JOSH EMMETT VS ILIA TOPURIA PREDICTION
What a fantastic main event and opportunity to see what Topuria is really made of. The Georgian has been nothing short of exceptional displaying the ability to finish top fighters in a variety of ways. Now, he has an experienced knockout artist standing in front of him.
Topuria is a proven finisher however, he has only gone past two rounds once in his career whereas Emmett has proven himself over five rounds. That said, Emmett will hunt the knockout with his ferocious right hand setting it up with his jab and body shots.
Topuria has to respect this, so we expect him to call upon his grappling. He will struggle to get Emmett down as he is a good wrestler and incredibly strong, so he needs to set up takedowns with striking.
Emmett has the experience and cardio to give Topuria his toughest test, but he is 38 years old now and has taken a lot of damage in his last few fights. Topuria on the other hand is only 26 and we do not even know how close he is to his prime.
Emmett can change the course of the fight in an instant with his right hand especially as Topuria can get reckless and leave his chin open. Combine that with his experience and cardio make him a smart bet as the big underdog.
However, we feel the youth, pace, aggression and grappling make it very difficult to pick against the prospect.
Prediction: Topuria via Submission
Value Bet: Emmett to win
