How does Islam Do Against the Top 5 WWs

[TITS]

Less than 24 hours ago what's his name was champ.
Now he isn't even top 5.

This sport is brutal.


I could see Belal having a Tony Ferguson like downside.

Both overachieved based on athleticism, chin, durability and cardio.

Both had 12 fight win streak.
Both lost at 36 or so.
Both lost via a fucking ass whooping and a half with major damage

JDM showed a decent blueprint for how to beat Belal by dictating angles and range of engagement, staying mobile, using lateral movement to avoid being backed to the cage.

Not sure who else has the TOOLS to do that but it will geteasier the more age and milage add up for Belal and that BEATING ain't gonna do him any favors.

It was 2-2 going into the 5th.

 

[Deltron 6060]

They aren't updated on the site today for exact order, but by pulling out Belal, we get:
Champ- JDM
1) Sean Brady
2) Shavkat
3) Leon
4) Usman
5) Garry

JDM is too much for Islam. The way Belal couldn't keep him down gives me little reason to believe Islam could.

I have a theory that Brady has improved a lot since he lost to Belal and would be too much for Islam with his dominant grappling- Islam has not had to deal with another dominant control grappler, and this is a higher weight class. We would be seeing him on the bottom for extended periods unlike before.

Shavkat also would be too much for Islam; I don't see that going well for him, although it might be a grinder. Islam again would have to survive underneath his opponent for extended times.

Leon and Usman may have decayed bad enough to lose to Islam at this point, but if Usman is as good as he was against Khamzat, I'm not so sure. Kham is much bigger than Islam and probably more dominant as a grappler P4P.

I might call the Garry fight a draw, but Islam would be very motivated to win that fight so that he didn't get capped on by Sherbros for "losing to a cuck."

So no, I don't like Islam's chances all that well at WW and think he will struggle with fighting bigger guys in a top 5 that is relatively strong. This division has actually grown intriguing recently, as JDM, Shavkat, Garry, and Brady have emerged as top fighters. Islam picked a tough time to try to clean out the division at WW if that's what he wants to do.

Islam would be favored against everyone, JDM too much for Islam is a hilarious take. Islam is a better than Belal on the feet and grappling, he cruises to a UD.

 

[Simple Southerner]

hes got a better chance with anyone at lw at ww not so much

 

[Hymen Crusher]

I'd bet a lot of money on shavkat if I could get even odds.

 

[Streeter]

Depends on how his game translates at the higher weight. Brady I think is his easiest fight as the ground games cancel out but Mak is much better standing than Brady.

JDM , Buckley, and Shavkat are flips. He would beat Edward's and Usman os on the slide while prime Usman wins current one doesn't. He beats Garry as well imo.

Only fighter I would out right gavor over Mak is Topuria but doesn't look like thats happening ..

 

[BowserJr]

They aren't updated on the site today for exact order, but by pulling out Belal, we get:
Champ- JDM
1) Sean Brady
2) Shavkat
3) Leon
4) Usman
5) Garry

JDM is too much for Islam. The way Belal couldn't keep him down gives me little reason to believe Islam could.

I have a theory that Brady has improved a lot since he lost to Belal and would be too much for Islam with his dominant grappling- Islam has not had to deal with another dominant control grappler, and this is a higher weight class. We would be seeing him on the bottom for extended periods unlike before.

Shavkat also would be too much for Islam; I don't see that going well for him, although it might be a grinder. Islam again would have to survive underneath his opponent for extended times.

Leon and Usman may have decayed bad enough to lose to Islam at this point, but if Usman is as good as he was against Khamzat, I'm not so sure. Kham is much bigger than Islam and probably more dominant as a grappler P4P.

I might call the Garry fight a draw, but Islam would be very motivated to win that fight so that he didn't get capped on by Sherbros for "losing to a cuck."

So no, I don't like Islam's chances all that well at WW and think he will struggle with fighting bigger guys in a top 5 that is relatively strong. This division has actually grown intriguing recently, as JDM, Shavkat, Garry, and Brady have emerged as top fighters. Islam picked a tough time to try to clean out the division at WW if that's what he wants to do.

Only beats Leon and cuck

 

[blunttruth]

They aren't updated on the site today for exact order, but by pulling out Belal, we get:
Champ- JDM
1) Sean Brady
2) Shavkat
3) Leon
4) Usman
5) Garry

JDM is too much for Islam. The way Belal couldn't keep him down gives me little reason to believe Islam could.

I have a theory that Brady has improved a lot since he lost to Belal and would be too much for Islam with his dominant grappling- Islam has not had to deal with another dominant control grappler, and this is a higher weight class. We would be seeing him on the bottom for extended periods unlike before.

Shavkat also would be too much for Islam; I don't see that going well for him, although it might be a grinder. Islam again would have to survive underneath his opponent for extended times.

Leon and Usman may have decayed bad enough to lose to Islam at this point, but if Usman is as good as he was against Khamzat, I'm not so sure. Kham is much bigger than Islam and probably more dominant as a grappler P4P.

I might call the Garry fight a draw, but Islam would be very motivated to win that fight so that he didn't get capped on by Sherbros for "losing to a cuck."

So no, I don't like Islam's chances all that well at WW and think he will struggle with fighting bigger guys in a top 5 that is relatively strong. This division has actually grown intriguing recently, as JDM, Shavkat, Garry, and Brady have emerged as top fighters. Islam picked a tough time to try to clean out the division at WW if that's what he wants to do.

Yep, he should have fought Belal when he had a chance

 

[BroScienceTalkatWork]

I really really want to see Islam vs Brady, I think that's gonna be a crazy fight.

Brady gotta get a title for the bench bros

 

[joy2day]

Islam would be favored against everyone, JDM too much for Islam is a hilarious take. Islam is a better than Belal on the feet and grappling, he cruises to a UD.

Way overestimating him IMO. He barely got out of the 5th round against Volk in their only prepared fight. I think the effectiveness of his grappling at WW will go down much further than many think. These are bigger better fighters.

 

[BroScienceTalkatWork]

Brady and Shavkat are the most interesting, he probably wrecks the others. Even with Brady the grappling is probably a wash and he keeps it standing and boxes him up. Shavkat is the most interesting because they're probably pretty close in striking and once it's on the ground, so it comes down to whether Islam's skill advantage in wrestling is enough to make up for Shavkat's size advantage.

Brady has a level of strength that takes years to build up. Unless Islam starts fucking with Tren he's not getting anywhere near bros upper body strength. That's why I root for Brady. if he gets a title, then my Shoulder Press PR's mean something

That being said.. Brady's striking is garbage. His punching technique is getting better, but he reverts to old habits in later rounds. And he ain't really trying to do anything with his shots. Just throwing because he's supposed to.. I don't care if you're a grappler, when the fight is stood up, you should throw with intent.

That's my armchair analysis

 

[joy2day]

JDM’s TDD looked good, but I’m not understanding why people are under the impression Islam’s wrestling isn’t significantly more technical than Belal’s

Belal has also had to wrestle guys that were bigger and stronger, so there is some illusion based on the samples those guys have- easier to dominate grappling against smaller fighters. We will see if Islam can maintain that level against guys like Brady, and I think he can't.

Islam will have harder strikes coming at him in this division also, and you never know how someone will react to that. Islam's jaw and head have never been tested, and there are no guarantees he could take the smashing that Belal took- Belal clearly has a caveman head that can take a sledgehammer. He is at least half Neanderthal.

 

[Mmmmmmma1234]

Less than 24 hours ago what's his name was champ.
Now he isn't even top 5.

This sport is brutal.


I could see Belal having a Tony Ferguson like downside.

Both overachieved based on athleticism, chin, durability and cardio.

Both had 12 fight win streak.
Both lost at 36 or so.
Both lost via a fucking ass whooping and a half with major damage

JDM showed a decent blueprint for how to beat Belal by dictating angles and range of engagement, staying mobile, using lateral movement to avoid being backed to the cage.

Not sure who else has the TOOLS to do that but it will geteasier the more age and milage add up for Belal and that BEATING ain't gonna do him any favors.

Funny enough Leon Edwards has those last night looked a lot like Edwards vs Belal 1. But he never got going in the rematch.

 

[nostradumbass]

Brady has a level of strength that takes years to build up. Unless Islam starts fucking with Tren he's not getting anywhere near bros upper body strength. That's why I root for Brady. if he gets a title, then my Shoulder Press PR's mean something

That being said.. Brady's striking is garbage. His punching technique is getting better, but he reverts to old habits in later rounds. And he ain't really trying to do anything with his shots. Just throwing because he's supposed to.. I don't care if you're a grappler, when the fight is stood up, you should throw with intent.

That's my armchair analysis

Brady's punching seem mostly to distract or get the person's guard higher to get a TD.

Brady probably is physically stronger, but Islam has the same strength it takes a lifetime of grappling to build, and it would be his 2nd WW fight if it happened, which means Islam will already be committed to WW by then and will probably be close to a year from now to put on a quality 10-15 lbs instead of a quick dirty bulk for a one off.

I just don't see a way for Brady or anybody else to grapplefuck Islam, and Brady's in deep shit if he can't do that.

 

[AL-Tappo McSnappo]

They aren't updated on the site today for exact order, but by pulling out Belal, we get:
Champ- JDM
1) Sean Brady
2) Shavkat
3) Leon
4) Usman
5) Garry

JDM is too much for Islam. The way Belal couldn't keep him down gives me little reason to believe Islam could.

I have a theory that Brady has improved a lot since he lost to Belal and would be too much for Islam with his dominant grappling- Islam has not had to deal with another dominant control grappler, and this is a higher weight class. We would be seeing him on the bottom for extended periods unlike before.

Shavkat also would be too much for Islam; I don't see that going well for him, although it might be a grinder. Islam again would have to survive underneath his opponent for extended times.

Leon and Usman may have decayed bad enough to lose to Islam at this point, but if Usman is as good as he was against Khamzat, I'm not so sure. Kham is much bigger than Islam and probably more dominant as a grappler P4P.

I might call the Garry fight a draw, but Islam would be very motivated to win that fight so that he didn't get capped on by Sherbros for "losing to a cuck."

So no, I don't like Islam's chances all that well at WW and think he will struggle with fighting bigger guys in a top 5 that is relatively strong. This division has actually grown intriguing recently, as JDM, Shavkat, Garry, and Brady have emerged as top fighters. Islam picked a tough time to try to clean out the division at WW if that's what he wants to do.

Usman is the big danger, a lot of you hate on Usman but the guy is a great fighter, hopefully buck takes out him out or islam will have a short WW run

 

[HuskySamoan]

Brady and Shavkat are the most interesting, he probably wrecks the others. Even with Brady the grappling is probably a wash and he keeps it standing and boxes him up. Shavkat is the most interesting because they're probably pretty close in striking and once it's on the ground, so it comes down to whether Islam's skill advantage in wrestling is enough to make up for Shavkat's size advantage.

I don't think Islams striking matches up well with Shavkat, he's reliant on using his length, controlling the range and pace with his counters and threats of takedowns. Shavkats like 6'2 with a 77in reach and usually quite aggressive. On the mat, Islam is a lot better though it's just a matter of if he can control guys at 170 once he gets it there since Poirier and Volk were both pretty effective at wrestling back to their feet, as was Arman.

 

[fortheo]

JDM’s TDD looked good, but I’m not understanding why people are under the impression Islam’s wrestling isn’t significantly more technical than Belal’s

I think it's because they watched islam fail like 12 takedowns against bad hip 35 year old Dustin poirier, a guy who has never had particularly good tdd. Islam's wrestling was supposed to run through dustin, and volk for that matter, and these are much smaller men than JDM.

Anyways, Belal's takedowns in the open are better than Islams, but islam is better on the cage for sure. Not sure if Islam has the tools to pressure Jack to the cage reliably, though.

 

[BroScienceTalkatWork]

Brady's punching seem mostly to distract or get the person's guard higher to get a TD.

Brady probably is physically stronger, but Islam has the same strength it takes a lifetime of grappling to build, and it would be his 2nd WW fight if it happened, which means Islam will already be committed to WW by then and will probably be close to a year from now to put on a quality 10-15 lbs instead of a quick dirty bulk for a one off.

I just don't see a way for Brady or anybody else to grapplefuck Islam, and Brady's in deep shit if he can't do that.

No. Islam has the grappling strength of an elite Lightweight. Not an Elite Welterweight.

only reason I'm so steadfast in this argument is that it's basically two weight classes apart. Bro is fighting 20 pounds heavier then Islam. So you really can't take anything for granted. You can't say they have comparable strength

15 pounds of muscle in a year when you got 2 fight camps is a SHITLOAD to put on.

 

[Orochimaru 大蛇丸]

I think it's because they watched islam fail like 12 takedowns against bad hip 35 year old Dustin poirier, a guy who has never had particularly good tdd. Islam's wrestling was supposed to run through dustin, and volk for that matter, and these are much smaller men than JDM.

Anyways, Belal's takedowns in the open are better than Islams, but islam is better on the cage for sure. Not sure if Islam has the tools to pressure Jack to the cage reliably, though.

Islam ultimately took Dustin down and subbed him, I’m not expecting Islam to steam roll JDM, but saying Belal’s grappling wasn’t effective so Islam’s won’t is weird to me when Islam is an objectively better grappler.

 

[Orochimaru 大蛇丸]

Belal has also had to wrestle guys that were bigger and stronger, so there is some illusion based on the samples those guys have- easier to dominate grappling against smaller fighters. We will see if Islam can maintain that level against guys like Brady, and I think he can't.

Islam will have harder strikes coming at him in this division also, and you never know how someone will react to that. Islam's jaw and head have never been tested, and there are no guarantees he could take the smashing that Belal took- Belal clearly has a caveman head that can take a sledgehammer. He is at least half Neanderthal.

Yeah obviously it’s a weight class up and everything is gonna be a question for Islam there, but Islam is technically a lot better than Belal, so writing the grappling off because Belal wasn’t successful is wrong imo. JDM will have to solve different problems in there with Islam.

 

[nostradumbass]

No. Islam has the grappling strength of an elite Lightweight. Not an Elite Welterweight.

only reason I'm so steadfast in this argument is that it's basically two weight classes apart. Bro is fighting 20 pounds heavier then Islam. So you really can't take anything for granted. You can't say they have comparable strength

15 pounds of muscle in a year when you got 2 fight camps is a SHITLOAD to put on.

Slightly over 1 lb per month is not difficult for anybody, and Islam isn't Leon Scott. These guys are all running on a calorie deficit to fight wherever they fight, which is why almost everybody looks better moving up than they do moving down. I don't know why we're pretending Islam would have to make LW to fight Brady making WW, but they'd be within 5 lbs of each other, and whatever minor size or strength advantage Brady has would be less than the difference in striking ability.

I'll eat my words if Brady can show up and grapplefuck Islam Makhachev, but that seems like about the worst possible gameplan for anybody to pin their hopes on.