UFC “One-Punch Man” Josh Emmett (38, USA) has warned undefeated newcomer Ilya Topuria (26, Georgia) that he “hasn’t met an opponent like me yet.

Emmett, ranked No. 5 in the UFC’s featherweight division (65.8 kg), will face No. 9 Toppuria in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Toppuria on 안전놀이터 Nov. 25 at Bystar Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla.

Emmett is a battle-tested veteran. In his eighth year in the UFC, he has a 9-3 record. He specializes in knocking out opponents with a single punch. In February, he challenged for the interim featherweight title and lost to Yair Rodriguez (30, Mexico).

The defeated veteran is tasked with validating his ascendancy. Win and you’re on your way to the top again, lose and you have a long way to go.

Emmett was given the divine Tophuria, a 13-0 record. He is a wellrounded fighter with a Greco-Roman wrestling base and powerful punches. He has won five straight in the UFC and is looking to break into the top five.

“I know the UFC is trying to build him up, but I’ve already fought a lot of guys like him. But he hasn’t fought anyone on my level yet,” he says, pointing out the difference in experience.

“When you’re the hammer, everything is easy. You just go out there and hit, but that’s not really a fight,” he said, emphasizing Topuria’s inexperience by saying, “You really learn a lot when you’re in a close, back-and-forth fight.” There’s still a level gap, he says.

Topuria disagrees. “I’m going to make Emmett look like a really easy opponent. People will be surprised to see me play,” he enthuses.

“He won’t be able to touch me,” he continues, “I’ve seen him fight, I’ve analyzed his technique. It’s not just that I’m better than him, I’m on a different level.”

Topuria’s goal is to become the UFC featherweight champion. In particular, he wants to beat current champion Alexander Volkanovski (34, Australia). “Without a doubt, I am the next title challenger. After this match, I will challenge the champion.”

Emmett is also looking for a title shot. At 38 years old, this could be his last chance. “I want to be world champion, I’ve been very close, and I know I can go back and be champion,” he said. “I have a very tough test ahead of me. I’m determined to win.”

Emmett and Topuria, who will fight in the main event, weighed in at 145.5 and 146 pounds (66.2 kg), respectively, on Dec. 23.

In the co-main event, No. 9 Amanda Hibas (BRA), 29, and No. 11 Macy Barber (USA), 25, will meet in the women’s flyweight (56.7 kg). Two popular fighters moving up from the strawweight division (52.2 kg) will be looking for a win here to move into the top five.

Hibas and Barber weighed in at 125 pounds (approx. 56.7 kg) and 126 pounds (approx. 57.2 kg), respectively.

The UFC Fight Night: Emmett vs. Toppuria main card will air live on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 4 p.m. ET on tvN SPORTS and TVING.