Ramazan Temirov isn’t just looking for a win at UFC 333 this Saturday, he’s planning to lay the absolute groundwork for a shot at flyweight champ Joshua Van’s title. Temirov, rocking a 20-2 MMA record with a perfect 3-0 in the UFC, is ready to make a massive statement against Lone’er Kavanagh.
The Showdown That Could Reshape the Flyweight Division
This weekend at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, it’s all about staking a claim. Temirov faces off against Kavanagh (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in a pivotal flyweight clash on Saturday’s main card, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer. While everyone expects Joshua Van to defend his title against Manel Kape early next year, Temirov is dead set on crashing that party. He’s got 13 first-round finishes to his name, including a dominant win over former title challenger Steve Erceg back in July. He’s confident he’s got what it takes to dethrone Van, no question about it.
Temirov isn’t backing down from anyone, and he’s especially not shy about calling his shot against the champ. “Joshua Van is a guy who likes to strike on the feet, and I think we’re going to have a good fight,” Temirov told reporters through an interpreter during media day. He’s not just talking about Van, either. Temirov made it clear, “No matter who’s going to be in front of me, I’m always ready. I don’t think there’s anyone who’s very dangerous in my division that’s why I think our fight has to make sense, and it’s going to be good.” You hear that? He thinks *no one* is dangerous. That’s a serious level of confidence.
Calling His Shot: Why Kavanagh Was the Target
It turns out Temirov wasn’t just handed this fight; he asked for it! After finishing Erceg, he called out Kavanagh specifically. He sees this matchup as tailor-made for another electrifying performance that will rocket him up the 125-pound contender rankings. “I’m so happy that I could get the fight that I was asking for,” Temirov said, “and hopefully I’m going to show a good fight and good skills in this fight.”
He picked Kavanagh for a reason, too. “After his last fight, he did a good performance and he’s standing in the top rankings above me so, that’s why I chose him so we can both show the striking skills in our fight, and hopefully it’s going to be good.” Temirov knows this is his chance to prove everything he’s saying. He’s ready to put on a “beautiful show and a beautiful fight.”
Temirov’s ready to put on a show and remind everyone why he’s gunning for the top. Catch him this Saturday at Etihad Arena, because if he performs like he plans, the flyweight division is about to get real interesting heading into 2027.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply