The UFC is on the road again, this time taking the world-famous Octagon to the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida for a thirteen-bout Fight Night card on ABC.

In the main event, streaking prospect Ilia Topuria meets veteran Josh Emmett in a Featherweight bout, while Amanda Ribas and Maycee Barber look for statement victories in the Flyweight co-main.

The main card also features Heavyweight knockout artist Justin Tafa facing off with Contender Series vet Austen Lane, while David Onama and Gabriel Santos lock horns in a Featherweight barnburner.

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Josh Emmett (18-3) vs. Ilia Topuria (13-0) (FTW)

We have an excellent prospect vs veteran bout headlining this early card. Josh Emmett originally impressed with his high-level wrestling but quickly made a name for himself with his one-shot punching power, recording at least one knockdown in seven straight UFC bouts. He recently suffered his first defeat in five years this February, tapping to a Yair Rodriguez triangle after suffering heavy damage on the feet. Ilia Topuria has gone on a tear since joining the UFC, racking up four finishes among his five Octagon victories, last seen submitting BJJ ace Bryce Mitchell. Topuria is a terrifying grappler with a versatile submission offense and powerful top pressure, displaying his damaging ground strikes against Ryan Hall. He is no less dangerous on the feet, as he surges into the pocket with powerful hooks and body shots, claiming four knockouts in his last six wins. While Topuria will likely take the reins wherever this fight goes, the power of Emmett does give me some pause for concern, as we have seen Topuria hurt in the past rushing into the pocket with his hands low. However, the constant grappling attack and pressure should stifle Emmett’s weapons until Topuria finds a finish on the mat, although this is not a spot to go heavy on the chalky favorite.

My Pick: Ilia Topuria via Submission

Amanda Ribas (11-3) vs. Maycee Barber (12-2) (FLW)

My Pick: Amanda Ribas via Decision

Justin Tafa (6-3) vs. Austen Lane (12-3) (HW)

My Pick: Justin Tafa via Knockout

David Onama (10-2) vs. Gabriel Santos (10-1) (FTW)

My Pick: Gabriel Santos via Knockout

Brendan Allen (21-5) vs. Bruno Silva (23-8) (MW)

My Pick: Brendan Allen via Submission

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