UFC 333: Temirov and Kavanagh fight for a path to flyweight champion Van
Ramazan Temirov already has his eye on Joshua Van. Lone'er Kavanagh wants a spectacular win to get back into the top five.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
Ramazan Temirov (20-2) wants his fight with Lone'er Kavanagh (10-2) on Saturday's UFC 333 main card to lay the groundwork for a title shot. He called out Kavanagh after his July win because "he's standing in the top rankings above me," the flyweight said through an interpreter at Wednesday's media day, according to MMA Junkie. In July, Temirov stopped former title challenger Steve Erceg by TKO; MMA Junkie says it was his 13th first-round finish.
Champion Joshua Van is expected to defend against Manel Kape in early 2027. Temirov is already thinking about him: "Joshua Van is a guy who likes to strike on the feet, and I think we're going to have a good fight," he said. "I think it will go my way."
Kavanagh, who according to MMA Junkie made his name by beating former champion Brandon Moreno and lost by submission to Brandon Royval at UFC 329, sees Temirov as a chance to bounce back: "I feel like it puts me back in the top five." Of his opponent he said: "He's a powerful puncher. He likes to come forward."