Media Aljo might be using Merab, will he backstab Merab and not move to 145lb?

[Sean_wongster_wongmastter]

Merab believes Aljo will move up to 145 to open the title picture to him. Aljo's facial expression seems to show he doesn't want to go to 145 after Merab said Aljo will move up. And now he's still staying at 135 to fight O'Malley.

Will Aljo move up? How long will Merab wait?

Aljo is getting all the money by being champ, while Merab makes a ton less. Aljo probably knows he can't beat Volk.

WIll this create tensions in their friendship if Aljo doesn't move up after Sean O Malley?

 

[ryun253]

I think Merab beats Aljo

 

[LetThemBleed]

I don't think Sterling's remotely popular enough that Dana would give him an immediate title fight at 145 if he did move up. Guy gets booed in his own home town. I don't think he gets past Max let alone Volk, hell Allen would give him problems. Would end up with him retreating pretty quickly back to 135 if he ever does actually move up.

 

[AimedWithV]

I think Merab beats Aljo

I think he CAN, and probably they both know it, and overall Merab is probably better control-wise.

 

[HuskySamoan]

I think Merab beats Aljo

It's definitely a close fight but I tend to think so too.

Merab believes Aljo will move up to 145 to open the title picture to him. Aljo's facial expression seems to show he doesn't want to go to 145 after Merab said Aljo will move up. And now he's still staying at 135 to fight O'Malley.

Will Aljo move up? How long will Merab wait?

Aljo is getting all the money by being champ, while Merab makes a ton less. Aljo probably knows he can't beat Volk.

WIll this create tensions in their friendship if Aljo doesn't move up after Sean O Malley?

The plan was always to fight O'Malley before moving up but unless Aljo gets promised a 145lb title shot he probably won't ever relinquish the title so that Merab can fight for it, and it's not obvious the UFC has any interest in Aljo trying to be a "double champ" to even set that up. Aljo has even has back pedaled on this "if I lose my 135lb belt then my brother Merab can fight for it" and "Me fighting Merab has never been presented to me, if it was then Merab and I could discuss it". It's hard to say, I'm not even sure I'd call it back stabbing, at this point Merab has to be accountable right? He can fight Aljo if he wants and Aljo can't turn that down.

 

[NoSmilez]

They train together. I don't think Merab gets the better of Aljo. Merab has flaws on the ground. More or less he is a judo guy who prefers certain positions. He can get subbed while going for takedowns. He is a Matt Serra purple belt. He is a nightmare matchup for Yan because Yan poses no submission threat.

 

[Sean_wongster_wongmastter]

I'm not even sure I'd call it back stabbing, at this point Merab has to be accountable right? He can fight Aljo if he wants and Aljo can't turn that down.

I feel like Aljo has told Merab he would move up, and that’s why Merab is waiting.

 

[Sean_wongster_wongmastter]

They train together. I don't think Merab gets the better of Aljo. Merab has flaws on the ground. More or less he is a judo guy who prefers certain positions. He can get subbed while going for takedowns. He is a Matt Serra purple belt. He is a nightmare matchup for Yan because Yan poses no submission threat.

I mean Merab seems pretty excited and happy to say between him and Aljo they know who is better. Just judging by confidence of discussion, it seems Merab probably beats him in training

 

[13Seconds]

We have no idea what's going on behind the scenes but two things are for sure:

1. They both know more than us so it's no point overthinking it.

2. Their friendship is truly genuine. This is no Jones/Rashad situation.

 

[Sean_wongster_wongmastter]

We have no idea what's going on behind the scenes but two things are for sure:

1. They both know more than us so it's no point overthinking it.

2. Their friendship is truly genuine. This is no Jones/Rashad situation.

Genuine friendship or not, Aljo is the one making the money by being champion

 

[13Seconds]

Genuine friendship or not, Aljo is the one making the money by being champion

So?

 

[fortheo]

Merab is injured and will be out for several months anyways, so it's not really an immediate concern. We have time to see what happens after sterling vs. O Malley before we need to worry about Merab.

 

[Paul E Gensinger]

Merab will take your jacket.
He will wear your jacket.
And a realtor who got out boxed by Khabib will laugh about it.

 

[fortheo]

I think he CAN, and probably they both know it, and overall Merab is probably better control-wise.

Merab's top control is possibly the worst part of his game.

 

[sutherland]

Merab believes Aljo will move up to 145 to open the title picture to him. Aljo's facial expression seems to show he doesn't want to go to 145 after Merab said Aljo will move up. And now he's still staying at 135 to fight O'Malley.

Will Aljo move up? How long will Merab wait?

Aljo is getting all the money by being champ, while Merab makes a ton less. Aljo probably knows he can't beat Volk.

WIll this create tensions in their friendship if Aljo doesn't move up after Sean O Malley?

I think merb loose to aljo handly, his style is built for guys like yan, Suger, chitto and would loose to guys like aljo and Henry. There's a reason he's waiting.

 

[AL-Tappo McSnappo]

Aljo beating Volk?

who really believes that? more likely he retires.

 

[Goatenstein]

It's definitely a close fight but I tend to think so too.



The plan was always to fight O'Malley before moving up but unless Aljo gets promised a 145lb title shot he probably won't ever relinquish the title so that Merab can fight for it, and it's not obvious the UFC has any interest in Aljo trying to be a "double champ" to even set that up. Aljo has even has back pedaled on this "if I lose my 135lb belt then my brother Merab can fight for it" and "Me fighting Merab has never been presented to me, if it was then Merab and I could discuss it". It's hard to say, I'm not even sure I'd call it back stabbing, at this point Merab has to be accountable right? He can fight Aljo if he wants and Aljo can't turn that down.

The sham of a friendship will hold up until after Aljo embarrasses O'Malley then things will get interesting.

 

[SalvadorAllende]

I don't think Merab is that interested in money and fame more than being loyal. Dude seems to be legit grateful to Aljo for everything Aljo did for him.

Merab is no Francine Ngannou.

 

[SalvadorAllende]

So?

Money is everything according to sherdoggers.

Some people don't understand that not everybody wants a Lambo yatch and cocaine money. Merab is probably doing pretty good for himself.

 

[LetThemBleed]

I don't think Merab is that interested in money and fame more than being loyal. Dude seems to be legit grateful to Aljo for everything Aljo did for him.

Merab is no Francine Ngannou.

You think that loyalty holds if Aljo who has suggested he's moving up soon, turns around and says yeah nah sorry lad I can't get a immediate title shot at FW because I'm not even popular in my own town and don't want to have to face the gauntlet of elite FW contenders to get there so I'm staying at 135? Now that would be interesting to see if Merab stays loyal then given they around the same age.