There was plenty to talk about on an action packed UFC card in Jacksonville on Saturday. Here are 5 takeaways from UFC on ABC 5: Emmett vs. Topuria.
Ilia Topuria Will Be a Title Challenger
The power, hand speed and pressure of Ilia Topuria was just too much for a tough Josh Emmett in this fight. From the start, Topuria stalked Emmett and consistently threw and landed heavy punching combinations. The younger fighter from Spain put on a masterclass and fully deserved this unanimous decision victory.
On more than one accasion Emmett looked to be done, but somehow his heart and toughness kept him in the fight. The American did have some success in the pocket, landing his jab and some right hands, but ultimately could not weather the storm that is Topuria.
Topuria kept up a fast pace for the entire fight, backing Emmett up and landing lightning quick combinations. A plethora of punches were on display from ‘El Matador’ and if that wasn’t enough, he chopped away at Emmett’s lead leg all evening too.
Emmett’s only chance of victory was landing a big overhand right, but it never really looked likely. Emmett kept swinging for as long as he could but was dropped multiple times in a dominant Topuria display.
Topuria took a battered and bloodied Emmett down in the final round – a smart move from the Spaniard – and made sure Emmett’s last chance dissipated in that moment. Topuria kept him on the ground until the end, landing some ground and pound for good measure. The scorecards read 50-44, 50-42 and 49-45, telling the story of the fight.
The 26-year-old Ilia Topuria dominated a top 5 contender and former interim title challenger. He is likely to be in the top 5 himself now after this performance, and it wont be long until we see this man fight for the belt.
Maycee Barber’s Striking Is Ruthless
Among the 5 takeaways from UFC on ABC 5 was a ruthless Maycee Barber performance in the co-main event. Barber made a statement against Brazilian Amanda Ribas by finishing her with strikes in the second round.
This was Barber’s fifth win in a row, but this was definitely her most convincing victory. She looked sharp and focused and made it extremely difficult for Ribas to come forward. A left hand from Barber busted up the nose of Ribas in the first round and it was a sign of things to come.
Ribas gave it her all and landed her own shots that had Barber herself bleeding, but ‘The Future’ hit her with a left hand and a head kick that had Ribas desperately shooting for a takedown. Barber secured top position and beat up Ribas with a barrage of punches and elbows until the referee stopped the fight.
Maycee Barber’s striking was on point in this fight and seems to have significantly improved. She will most likely be in the top 10 after this stoppage win.
Brendan Allen Calls Out Adesanya
Right now, Brendan Allen can’t be stopped. This was his fifth victory on the bounce and it was an impressive one at that. He secured a submission victory in the first round against a dangerous Bruno Silva.
The fight was enjoyable while it lasted. Both fighters had some success on the feet, but it was Allen who stung Silva with big shots before wrapping up the neck and getting the rear-naked choke.
In his post-fight interview, Allen said: “I’m the only guy to be able to be able to threaten the actual champion everywhere. So with that being said, Izzy, and new in 2024. I’m coming.”
Keep an eye on the rise of Brendan Allen.
David Onama Is One To Watch
David Onama has power in his hands. He defeated Gabriel Santos via knockout with an uppercut from hell and has surely convinced the featherweight division that he is one to watch.
Santos threatened Onama with his dangerous grappling skills early and almost set up an armbar, but Onama didn’t panic and got the fight back on the feet. He landed some crisp punches on his opponent before landing the monstrous uppercut that put Santos’ lights out.
As Santos fell, Onama landed another shot and Santos crashed against the canvas. The ‘Silent Assassin’ followed up with some hammerfists and the job was done.
A brutal finish from the Ugandan who is now 3-2 in the UFC.
Joshua Van Is Ready
The 21-year-old fighter from Myanmar made his octagon debut against Zhalgas Zhumagulov, and there is no doubt he belongs in the UFC. His confidence shone through as he demonstrated his striking skills and stamina, and almost finished his opponent.
‘The Fearless’ mixed up decent boxing combinations and pressured Zhumagulov, landing the second most significant strikes in flyweight history. Quite some debut for such a young talent.
That was 5 takeaways from UFC on ABC 5. What a night of fights it was!
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
