Ilia Topuria’s next challenge set to be decided as two top contenders are booked to clash in April

Ilia Topuria could have a massive task on his hands, with two of the featherweight division’s toughest competitors set to go head-to-head, with a shot at the belt likely on the line.

On October 26, ‘El Matador’ continued his rapid rise to the top of the pound-for-pound list with an awe-inspiring victory over Max Holloway.

Now, Topuria looks set for a mega-rematch with Alexander Volkanovski, with the pair adding fuel to their rivalry, by cornering opposing fighters at UFC 312.

However, should the Spanish-Georgian emerge from that potential clash unscathed, then he’ll have to bite down on his gumshield and go to war with whoever comes out on top in the main event of the UFC’s April 5 card.

WOW: Jorge Masvidal names the man who could dethrone Ilia Topuria as UFC featherweight champion

Lerone Murphy and Josh Emmett to battle it out for a potential fight with Ilia Topuria

MMA Fighting has claimed that multiple people with knowledge of the UFC’s plans have informed them that Lerone Murphy and Josh Emmett will go toe-to-toe at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

The bout pits two formidable strikers against one another, with the Englishman possessing awe-inspiring skills, while the American carries Earth-shattering power.

And there’s so much on the line, with the victor potentially bagging their shot at world championship glory.

Murphy, who’s amassed an impressive 15-0-1 record, would love his opportunity to share the octagon with Ilia Topuria, believing he could utilize his slick skills to dance his way to victory.

Meanwhile, Emmett, who’s one of the few men to take the 145-pound King the distance, would revel in the chance to prove he can go one better and pick up the win.

Sheesh: Alexander Volkanovski and Ilia Topuria share wholesome moment backstage at UFC 312 after cornering prelim fight

Dustin Poirier believes there’s only one man capable of stopping Ilia Topuria from becoming a three-weight UFC champion

While Murphy and Emmett would love to wear the featherweight belt around their waist, Dustin Poirier doesn’t think that has much chance of happening.

‘The Diamond’ is blown away by the reigning title-holder’s power, going as far as to say that the icon could render almost anybody unconscious, from featherweight to welterweight.

However, as impressed as he is, Poirier still believes there’s one man that could prevent Topuria from conquering three weight divisions.