Saw some posters arguing that Islam is in a lose-lose situation, because even if he wins, he won't get any credit. This view, however, rests on a fundamental misunderstanding of how good Volkanovski is.
Volkanovski is in terms of skills, athletic ability, and mental fortitude, already top 5 all time in MMA. (Note this is different from saying he is top 5 in terms of greatness, because greatness has to do with accolades). The upshot here is that Volkanovski, even on short notice and coming of an injury, is a more difficult opponent for Islam than Oliveria.
Consider this; we were already reasonably certain how the outcome of the rematch between Islam vs Oliveria would look like: Islam would control Oliveria on the ground if needed. On the feet Oliveria would get caught by Islams criminally underrated footwork, timing, and shot selection. And eventually Oliveria would break. However, every reasonable person will recognise that it is far less certain how this fight between Islam and Volkanovski will look like, even if one should reasonably hold Islam as the favorite.
Sure, Volk will be limited compared himself with a full training camp and a more recovered from the injury. Nonetheless, if Islam dominated Volk in a 50-45 instead of a 48-47, or finishes Volk, Islam should get massive credit. Indeed, if Islam manages to do that, he should get more credit than if he again beat fragile Oliveria. Hence, Islam is not in a lose-lose situation.
Volkanovski is in terms of skills, athletic ability, and mental fortitude, already top 5 all time in MMA. (Note this is different from saying he is top 5 in terms of greatness, because greatness has to do with accolades). The upshot here is that Volkanovski, even on short notice and coming of an injury, is a more difficult opponent for Islam than Oliveria.
Consider this; we were already reasonably certain how the outcome of the rematch between Islam vs Oliveria would look like: Islam would control Oliveria on the ground if needed. On the feet Oliveria would get caught by Islams criminally underrated footwork, timing, and shot selection. And eventually Oliveria would break. However, every reasonable person will recognise that it is far less certain how this fight between Islam and Volkanovski will look like, even if one should reasonably hold Islam as the favorite.
Sure, Volk will be limited compared himself with a full training camp and a more recovered from the injury. Nonetheless, if Islam dominated Volk in a 50-45 instead of a 48-47, or finishes Volk, Islam should get massive credit. Indeed, if Islam manages to do that, he should get more credit than if he again beat fragile Oliveria. Hence, Islam is not in a lose-lose situation.
