Josh Emmett and Ilia Topuria (right)(image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Ilia Topuria worked his way to a dominant, one-sided victory over Josh Emmett on Saturday, and the rising featherweight says the result would be the same against renowned champ, Alexander Volkanovski.

Topuria battled Emmett in the headliner of UFC Jacksonville, and while the latter showcased his tremendous heart and toughness once again, he was badly outstruck by the undefeated fighter. Topuria was awarded the fight via scores of 50-44, 50-42, 49-46.

The victory was Topuria’s sixth straight with the UFC and moved his overall record to 14-0. Following the bout, the Georgian-Spanish contender made it clear he wants to fight for the title. He also proclaimed he will defeat the champion, Volkanovski (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I showed it tonight,” Topuria said. “No one can match my level of skill inside the cage. I think everyone agrees with me. I know that I can finish anyone in this division. Josh was tough tonight, but I beat him pretty easy and it’s not going to be different with Alex. The result is going to be the same.

“I’m going to knock him out in the first round, second round. If not, I’m going to dominate him for five rounds, no problem.”

Topuria also relayed that he intends to wait for a title shot, although, he said he would be open to fighting Max Holloway. The latter, however, is scheduled to fight Chan Sung Jung on August 26th.

Volkanovski, meanwhile, is scheduled to defend his title against Yair Rodriguez at UFC 290, July 8th.

Heading into this weekend’s action, Topuria was ranked #9 in the UFC’s featherweight division and Emmett was #5.