Josh Emmett, the only UFC fighter to endure a full five rounds with Ilia Topuria, offers a unique insight into the former featherweight champion`s prospects as he transitions to the 155-pound lightweight division.
Topuria`s sole lightweight appearance in the UFC dates back to 2022, a short-notice bout against Jai Herbert. While Topuria secured a stunning knockout and a Performance of the Night bonus, he initially faced adversity, absorbing significant strikes from Herbert.
Topuria has undoubtedly evolved since then, yet Emmett, drawing from his own experience as a former lightweight before excelling at 145 pounds, emphasizes the crucial role of size in UFC competition.
“I definitely believe larger lightweights could pose challenges for him,” Emmett commented on Topuria`s chances against bigger opponents. “He is naturally a smaller fighter, shorter in stature and with a less substantial frame. I think I was either taller than him or just as tall, but definitely more heavily built.”
It`s worth noting that Topuria has consistently overcome size disadvantages throughout his UFC career, maintaining an undefeated record and securing numerous decisive finishes.
In his two most recent fights, Topuria delivered knockout victories against Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, widely regarded as two of the greatest featherweights ever. He now aims to replicate this success in the lightweight division.
“He is incredibly well-rounded and technically proficient,” Emmett stated about Topuria. “His background is in jiu-jitsu and wrestling, but he has achieved significant success with his striking. His boxing is exceptionally refined, and he possesses considerable power. However, I am uncertain. I anticipate he will perform well.”
“I expect him to do well, but I am eager to witness him compete against the top-tier lightweights, those ranked in the top three or five, to assess how he fares against them, considering their significantly larger frames and greater size.”
Nevertheless, Emmett is confident that Topuria is making the necessary adjustments to prepare his body for competition in a heavier weight class.
“Considering the timeline, particularly his short-notice fight against Jai Herbert, I believe that with a proper training camp of three to four months, supported by his excellent team, strength coaches, and resources, they will ensure he is well-prepared and at his peak,” Emmett remarked.
Regarding his own ambitions, Emmett is focused on returning to title contention as he prepares to face Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 105 on Saturday.
After a year-long hiatus in 2024 to recuperate and fully recover from persistent injuries, Emmett is eager to showcase an improved version of himself compared to the fighter who faced Topuria nearly two years prior.
“I am aware that many questioned my inactivity since [2023], noting I sustained no damage. However, there were underlying issues known to my inner circle, friends, family, and coaches. This is why Emmett 2.0 is here, ready to be unleashed on April 5th,” Emmett explained.
“In the most significant fights of my career, my life, against opponents like for the interim title, Ilia, [Calvin] Kattar, and even [Bryce] Mitchell, I was competing at less than my full potential. I am now back to 100 percent. The 25-30 percent Josh Emmett is gone. You will witness the 110 percent version on April 5th. I simply need to decisively defeat Murphy and then I could be back in title discussions. I know Volkanovski has mentioned potentially calling out Movsar [Evloev] after a win, if he wins, but we will see how things unfold. First, I must focus on April 5th, defeat Murphy, and secure victory. Then, I would like to be in Miami the following weekend.”
