Fight fiction: how do you think Ilia vs Islam @ 155 would've turn out?

[Rubios]

No hating, no hot takes, just insightful "what if"s, breakdowns and outcomes.

My take.

Ilia struggles to enter the distance, Islam fights lengthy and connects several kicks. Accepts the center of the octagon avoiding the walls.
The only exchanges happen when Ilia finds an opening, and Islam quickly retreats backwards throwing.
Ilia barely lands some body shots, Islam connects some forearms and such while back pedaling but his kicks start hurting.

Once Ilia's leg starts to suffer, Islam goes for the takedown. Mainly control time. Ilia gets overpowered and his muscles give up, so Islam goes for some GnP.

We are in round 3, Topuria needs a KO or winning the last three. He hunts Islam to the wall. Islam enters and forces the clinch.
Ilia is slick with some knees and body shots, but Islam is able to execute a judo trip.

Ilia's grappling is excellent, but Islam tires him and takes him into deep waters.

Ilia gets subbed in RD 3 or RD 4 after getting rocked on the feet.
Dominant victory for Islam, both dudes do great in an amazing fight.

 

[Tweak896]

Probably similar to Islam vs Martins

 

[Luthien]

Islam grinds out a decision. Ilia goes back down again. The eternal 145r goes to 155 story.

 

[svmr_db]

Islam by submission in round 2

 

[Only Here for Attachments]

Ilia KO 2

 

[HeadKickerV2]

They both can win it, but Islam is able to control the fight if he plays it smart

Islam is great at clinch and level above Ilia on the ground, but if he tries to strike with Ilia to prove a point he will get clipped

 

[svmr_db]

Reminder how Ilia looked the last time someone wanted to grapple him:



And that's only a few fights ago, a much more accurate representation of who Ilia still is compared to trying to hold Islam to the ancient Martins fight.

 

[Chagaev]

Reminder how Ilia looked the last time someone wanted to grapple him:

View attachment 1096776

And that's only a few fights ago, a much more accurate representation of who Ilia still is compared to trying to hold Islam to the ancient Martins fight.

Crazy when you think that Silva beat Bryce so effortlessly.

 

[RockyLockridge]

Illa leaves him slumped after clowning him on the feet

 

[empsim]

Reminder how Ilia looked the last time someone wanted to grapple him:

View attachment 1096776

And that's only a few fights ago, a much more accurate representation of who Ilia still is compared to trying to hold Islam to the ancient Martins fight.

Nice screen capture. Almost looks like Topuria didn't outgrapple and submit Mitchell in that fight....

 

[HatKick]

Big Ilia believer here. I think he gets the KO, early or late, doesn't matter.

 

[svmr_db]

Nice screen capture. Almost looks like Topuria didn't outgrapple and submit Mitchell in that fight....

Bro he got held down & controlled in the first round by Mitchell, what do you think Islam would do to him lol

 

[empsim]

Bro he got held down & controlled in the first round by Mitchell, what do you think Islam would do to him lol

For how long? Like 30 seconds with no damage or sub attempts?

 

[methrogenn]

Islam wouldve finished him under 3 rds, this fight would not have been close.

I think Arman comfortably beats Illia aswell

 

[Kal-El]

Ilia gets subbed in the 2nd, 3rd at best.

 

[TheNewGame]

For how long? Like 30 seconds with no damage or sub attempts?

Topuria was only able to get up because the round ended. A little over a minute, but saved by the bell.

 

[Skarsgard]

Nice screen capture. Almost looks like Topuria didn't outgrapple and submit Mitchell in that fight....

He didn't. He got thoroughly outgrappled in the first round before rocking him and submitting him in the second.

 

[Rubios]

Probably similar to Islam vs Martins

Lol c'mon.

 

[Tweak896]

Lol c'mon.

Just having fun. The reality is Topuria either figures out how to keep it standing and looks for a finish or outpoints or Islam destroys him on ground. It's hard seeing anyone stop Islam, but Topuria seems in the zone as well. Personally I think it's 50/50 who shows up that fight and Topuria might have the edge.

 

[Subline]

Islam first round sub