Has Islam Makhachev earned his right to move up and fight for the WW belt?

[jeff7b9]

According to his own rules for moving up: HARD NO
In general: yeah why not

Ducking hypocrite

Dude painted himself into a corner with that shit.

That was pretty dumb

 

[FrappeDuRocma]

If he wants Topuria to earn it, then he himself must earn it

He already did, by defending 4 times his belt...

 

[Only Here for Attachments]

He already did, by defending 4 times his belt...

Ah, that's the official criteria?

 

[Sycho Sid]

As much as I am sure this will annoy people, he has not actually beat a legit LW contender since beating Charles. That first Volk win was legit and very impressive, but the rest of his title defenses, not so much. Most of that is due to the shitty way LW has been managed though, and not his fault. And obviously not fighting Arman was not his fault.

It would be nice if he could defend it against someone who has actually earned it, but who knows if that is even possible.

 

[FrappeDuRocma]

Ah, that's the official criteria?

Volk, Izzy and many other champs had their title shot at the higher level after 3-4 defenses...