Beyond "it's MMA so everything can happen", how could Ilia beat Islam?

[Young Calf Kick]

Puncher's chance. Islam probably bullies him inside the clinch and makes it a grindy fight where he has superior technique, is taller and heavier. Topuria will want to box with him. Topuria is a little bull himself but I think Islam is just too slick for him.

 

[PrideNverDies]

He's shorter, so it will be harder for Islam to take him down like Volk. Also Islam has struggled with FWs in the past. He relies on being a weight bully and his wrestling style

 

[SomethingCringetastic]

Body shot, then headshot, all over

 

[SomethingCringetastic]

After Paddy wins, he'll thrust his hips violently at virgin Islam

 

[Tweak896]

Do what Volk did but better. Keep it on the feet and try and score to decision. I don't think he can find the finish, but he clearly looks better than Volk and he has a wrestling base.

 

[Gabe]

By knockout with his fists

 

[humdizzle]

ilia likes to go for the KO and that just isn't going to happen with islam who will happily keep distance and kick. islam has reach advantage in the hands (1") and legs (3"). ilia lost round 1 to volk on all 3 cards. he could just kick away all night. if it goes to grappling islam will outmuscle him.

i doubt his power carries to 155.

it would be possible he wins if islam is at a deficit like a short rehydration window (1st volk fight)

 

[Rubios]

I think most of you underestimate Islam as a striker.

He outstruck DP big time with much higher accuracy. Specially to the head.
And, vs Volk #1, Alex landed much more volume BUT excluding leg kicks (Volk uses them to keep distance and not so much to inflict damage, Islam's footwork never looked compromised at all) and pitter-patter ground punches, Islam connected more (razor-thin margin, though) significant strikes. And cleaner, tougher ones.

Volk was considered by many (including me) the best striker in the UFC back then (under 185, at least).


I believe we need to move on with the "Islam is developing a solid stand up game" and "Islam looks more and more comfortable standing".
Look at his +/- (accuracy/defense). The wrestling threat plays a factor, sure, but he might be the best striker @ 155

Ilia should be better in this department, on paper, but a Muay-heavy southpaw with a reach advantage is a damn serious handicap for an as-orhodox-as-it-gets pocket boxer.

 

[Ara tech]

Islam by decision at worst, at best by knockout with a high kick, or a submission, darce or kimura or RNC.

Ilia by decision at worst, at best by overhand right or right hook, if islam is really hurt he could get a sub.

 

[Chagaev]

Do what Volk did but better. Keep it on the feet and try and score to decision. I don't think he can find the finish, but he clearly looks better than Volk and he has a wrestling base.

Volk couldn't last one round at 155.

 

[Rubios]

Do what Volk did but better. Keep it on the feet and try and score to decision. I don't think he can find the finish, but he clearly looks better than Volk and he has a wrestling base.

Ilia is a hunter, Volk is a better point fighter.

If Volk had lasted/survived 5 rounds vs Ilia, I'm pretty confident he'd have won a decision.

 

[188912345]

Volk couldn't last one round at 155.

He lasted all 5 rounds in their first fight. Even won round 5.

 

[Rubios]

Volk couldn't last one round at 155.

Wut. He lasted 5 and lost a very close decision.

 

[jeff7b9]

Great breakdown.

 

[Bork Neslar]

Why the hell do you ask if you're already convinced that he can't... I fucking hate threads like this.

 

[Chagaev]

Wut. He lasted 5 and lost a very close decision.

Luckily they fought two times, so we can pick the one that serves our narrative better.

 

[Ares Black]

By absolutely blasting him with punches?

 

[Tweak896]

Volk couldn't last one round at 155.

I mean he did both to be fair, I meant when he took him to decision and had a full camp

 

[Tweak896]

Ilia is a hunter, Volk is a better point fighter.

If Volk had lasted/survived 5 rounds vs Ilia, I'm pretty confident he'd have won a decision.

Well not sure, Topuria was doing pretty well. All 3 guys at sherdog pbp gave both rounds to Topuria (well if he didn't KO him). All he would've had to do was win 1 round, while Volk needed to win the next 3. Topuria hasn't shown he's prone to gassing. His style more corals guys into the perfect setup, so I wouldn't say it's very taxing.

 

[RichardHarrow]

Islam has been dropped by jabs. There's a good reason he, Ali, and Team Eagle are saying everything they can to avoid Ilia.

Did you time to climax when he got dropped?