Does the UFC need Ilia to beat Islam

[Kaiokenrye24]

After Pereira lost, there was a lot of talk about the UFC not having many exciting champions left although I like DDP and Merab earned a lot of respect so I apologize for my hyperbole but wouldn't Ilia finishing Islam be not just a big deal but make Topuria a bigger star than most champions especially after he ko'd Max Holloway?

 

[Aurelian]

Hypothetically, if Ilia finishes Islam in the first fight then the rematch would be twice as huge and UFC would make out like bandits no matter who wins.

 

[anachronist]

enjoy the fights dude, not who wants who to win...watch some reality TV show with a bunch of women in it, if u enjoy that kind of drama..

 

[moosaev]

Islam is a bigger star than ilia. The extent of ilia’s stardom is one of the most overrated narratives in mma. He’s not gonna save the ufc get real lol. I think Dana is annoyed with ilia because he prefers Islam and ilia to both be prominent champs, he doesn’t want one taking out the other. There is no single fighter than will ever carry the sport like Conor did, putting that on ilia is a false hope.

 

[Qays Stetkevich]

After Pereira lost, there was a lot of talk about the UFC not having many exciting champions left although I like DDP and Merab earned a lot of respect so I apologize for my hyperbole but wouldn't Ilia finishing Islam be not just a big deal but make Topuria a bigger star than most champions especially after he ko'd Max Holloway?

No. Id say Islam is getting more and more popular, and although Ilia is a big draw, he wouldnt vanish and others stars will sprout up.

 

[Sean Chowdhury]

Islam is getting popular now too, if he beats Ilia I wouldn't discount his star power as he would basically be the most popular active fighter at that point

 

[Dreyga Hates You Sherbums]

After Pereira lost, there was a lot of talk about the UFC not having many exciting champions left although I like DDP and Merab earned a lot of respect so I apologize for my hyperbole but wouldn't Ilia finishing Islam be not just a big deal but make Topuria a bigger star than most champions especially after he ko'd Max Holloway?

Islam is MASSIVE star. Especially in Muslim countries.He is like thr 5th UFC fighter ever to pass 10 million followers. HIs presence on the roster helps the UFC get massive dealsin Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He is big money maker for the company.


The best thing of the UFC would have been for Illia to stay at 145 and become domninant champ they could market in Europe.

 

[tritestill]

This is such a bad thread.

 

[Tweak896]

Ehhh UFC will run with whoever wins. Islam continues his dominance or they have a younger rising star that's solidified.

Really bet they want someone younger that will be there the next 8 years. Islam and Topuria probably want to leave soon.

 

[Thepaintbucket]

UFC priority

Ppv movers
Consistency
Potential to become a huge draw

You could say they are both consistent. So does llia have the potential to become a big draw to a point where they're okay with him beating islam? Probably not

The UFC would rather have him lock down 145 division and the same for Islam at 155