If Islam and his team are smart (and I think they are), he's the one making the calls

[188912345]

It's pretty lame of Islam to lobby for a Gaethje fight and refusing Ilia, especially after he just defended against Moicano (I know, not his fault).

His next fight needs to be either Arman or Ilia. Don't make the two most compelling challengers fight against each other.

 

[JKS]

Arman and the UFC really f##ked things at LW. First, if that fight happened in January and Arman didn't pull out, it would be much more clear for the next set of contenders. You would essentially have Olivera, Gaethje and Ilia and you pair two of them in #1 contenders fight and give the other guy the direct shot. EG - Ilia vs Gaethje and Olivera title shot in June/July.

Or the UFC should have just rebooked Arman vs Islam for June and then play the same scenario above, it would just be delayed. Not giving Arman a direct shot now clogs everyhing up and creates unecessary fights.

But it seems that wont happen and Arman has to fight again. It doesn't look like Topuria is getting a direct shot either. And the two wont fight each other.

Islam vs Olivera in July (he is the most credible contender next to Arman)
Arman vs Gaethje
Ilia vs Hooker

Then they can sort out who gets the next shot based on wins.

 

[Pious Augustus]

to pick and choose fights is the dagestani way.

you won't see any dagestani fighting down. unless of course they are the champ.

while it sucks for fans, its the smart move by management.

Ank been fighting down his whole career, Islam fought down the ranking multiple times, Khabib as well...baseless talk

 

[Pious Augustus]

I really hope that's not the case. If Belal loses to JDM, is Belal gonna leave the division? If they go to JDM vs Islam, what does that do for Shavkat, Brady, and wherever Belal lands? WW does not need any more interruptions at this point, and all respect to Islam, but he can afford to fight some LW #1 contenders for once.

He did twice, unfortunately the LW #1 contenders pulled out twice

 

[Mohawk Banditó]

He did twice, unfortunately the LW #1 contenders pulled out twice

I don't blame him at all, but he would service from it. I don't doubt that if he told Dana to push for the Arman defense, they'd try to make it again

 

[Rubios]

You guys convinced me about putting JG in a title fight right now is kind of weird.

Dana just needs to rebook Islam - Arman and make Topuria fight Charles for the next contender shot.