UFC interim title challenger Josh Emmett will fight featherweight contender Ilia Topuria in a five-round main event.
Josh Emmett, a former UFC interim title challenger, is set to face rising featherweight contender Ilia Topuria in a five-round main event on June 17. Sources familiar with the promotion’s plans confirmed the news after an initial report by Álvaro Colmenero on Twitter. The UFC has not yet officially announced the event or its location.
The fight marks Emmett’s return to action after his unsuccessful bid for the interim UFC featherweight title in February. Emmett lost to Yair Rodriguez in the second round at UFC 284, ending his five-fight winning streak that included victories over Calvin Kattar, Shane Burgos, and Dan Ige. On the other hand, the undefeated 26-year-old featherweight Topuria is seeking another high-profile win as he moves closer to title contention. Topuria recently defeated Bryce Mitchell with a second-round arm-triangle choke submission at UFC 282, bringing his overall record to 13-0.
If Topuria can defeat Emmett in their June match, he could find himself in a prime position for a shot at the championship. As fans eagerly await the official announcement of the event, both fighters will be preparing to showcase their skills in what promises to be an exciting match.