They Thought Josh Emmett’s Power Could Stop Ilia Topuria… They Were Wrong

Josh Emmett had the kind of knockout power that could change a fight with a single punch. But Ilia Topuria brought something different to the octagon: precise boxing, relentless pressure, and dangerous grappling. At UFC on ABC 5, these two featherweights faced a five-round test that pushed both fighters to their limits. Topuria began finding his range, landing sharp combinations and putting Emmett under increasing pressure. Even after being dropped and taking heavy damage, Emmett refused to fold. He kept fighting back, forcing Topuria to adapt as the battle moved between striking exchanges and ground control. In the later rounds, Topuria showed another side of his game, using his grappling to control the action and threaten with submissions. Emmett survived until the final bell, but Topuria’s performance earned him a unanimous decision victory. This was more than a clash of knockout power and precision. It was a test of skill, adaptability, and endurance. Could anyone have predicted how tough Josh Emmett would be—or how complete Ilia Topuria’s performance would become? Watch the full breakdown and share your verdict in the comments. Subscribe to SportEye for more unforgettable MMA stories, legendary fighters, and defining moments in combat sports. They Thought Josh Emmett’s Power Could Stop Ilia Topuria… They Were Wrong