Josh Emmett, the only UFC fighter to last five rounds with Ilia Topuria, offers a unique perspective on the former featherweight champion`s transition to the 155-pound division.
Topuria`s sole lightweight appearance in the UFC was in 2022 against Jai Herbert. While Topuria secured a stunning knockout and a Performance of the Night bonus, he also showed vulnerability early in the fight, getting hurt by Herbert`s strikes.
Topuria has undoubtedly improved since then, but Emmett, drawing from his own experience as a former lightweight before excelling at 145 pounds, emphasizes the significance of size in the UFC.
“I definitely think bigger lightweights could pose problems for him,” Emmett told MMA Fighting, regarding Topuria`s prospects in the division. “He`s naturally a smaller guy, shorter with a less substantial frame. I believe I was either taller or just as tall as him, but with a much larger build.”
To his credit, Topuria has often been the smaller, more compact fighter in his UFC bouts and has maintained an undefeated record with numerous impressive finishes.
In his last two fights alone, Topuria decisively defeated Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway – widely considered two of the greatest featherweights ever – and now aims for similar success in the lightweight category.
“He`s incredibly well-rounded and technically skilled,” Emmett noted about Topuria. “His background is in jiu-jitsu and wrestling, but he`s found great success with his striking. His boxing is exceptionally sharp, and he has knockout power. However, I`m curious to see how he fares against the top lightweights.”
“I anticipate he`ll do well, but I`m eager to see him tested against the top three to five lightweights to assess how he measures up. Those fighters are significantly larger and more physically imposing than he is.”
Nevertheless, Emmett believes Topuria is likely taking the necessary steps to adapt to the challenges of competing in a heavier weight class.
“Considering the timeframe, and knowing he took the Jai Herbert fight on short notice, if he has a proper training camp of three to four months, I`m confident that with his excellent team, strength coaches, and resources, they`ll have him well-prepared and ready,” Emmett concluded.
Looking ahead to his own career, Emmett is focused on returning to title contention as he prepares to face Lerone Murphy at UFC Vegas 105 this Saturday.
After taking a break throughout 2024 to recover and fully heal from persistent injuries, Emmett is excited to showcase an improved version of himself compared to the fighter who faced Topuria nearly two years ago.
“Many people questioned my inactivity since 2023, assuming I was undamaged and wondering what was happening,” Emmett explained. “However, my inner circle, friends, family, and coaches were aware of the issues I was dealing with. That`s why `Emmett 2.0` is here, ready to be unleashed on April 5th.”
“In the biggest fights of my career, the most crucial moments – interim title fights, the Topuria fight, the Kattar fight, even the Mitchell fight – I was competing at less than my best. Now, I`m back to 100 percent. You`re no longer seeing the 25 or 30 percent Josh Emmett. You`ll witness the 110 percent version on April 5th. I just need to go out there, decisively defeat Murphy, get my hand raised, and then I`d like to be in Miami the following weekend.”
