ABU DHABI – Ramazan Temirov wants to prove he's the No. 1 contender at UFC 333.
Temirov (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) meets Lone'er Kavanagh (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC) in a pivotal flyweight clash on Saturday's main card at Etihad Arena on Yas Island (Paramount+).
UFC flyweight champion Joshua Van is expected to make his next title defense against Manel Kape in early 2027, but Temirov is eager to enter that conversation.
With 13 first-round finishes to his name – including one over former title challenger Steve Erceg in July, Temirov confident he can dethrone Van.
"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 MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter during Wednesday's UFC 333 media day. "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. When I get there, we're going to see how it's going to be, but I think it will go my way."
Temirov called out Kavanagh after finishing Erceg. He sees the stylistic matchup tailored-made for another exciting performance that elevates his status as a 125-pound contender.
"I'm so happy that I could get the fight that I was asking for, and hopefully I'm going to show a good fight and good skills in this fight," Temirov said. "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. Inshallah, like my last fight, I'll try to perform at my best and of course you're going to see in this fight the rest so, I'm not going to talk a lot. I'll just show you guys a beautiful show and a beautiful fight."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ramazan Temirov: UFC 333 win will be groundwork for Joshua Van title fight