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I don’t really remember the context around the Max shot, but Volk had cleared his division and was P4P 1 so he had done a lot more than Ilia has… plus it’s not like it’s the UFC saying Ilia doesn’t deserve itHistorically, it doesn't much matter.
I mean, Max got a LW interim title shot with Dustin off of 2 title defenses at FW.
Volk got his LW title shot off 2 wins over Max and wins over Ortega and Zombie (who aren't great), and Yair.
Max and Volk hadn't won at LW in the UFC.
Topuria finished both of them and has his win at LW. If Max and Volk can get auto title shots, then Topuria should as well.
That being said I’d still like to see Ilia vs Islam next, but I also understand Islam not wanting to fight another FW until he proves himself at LW… although I think he should consider the fact that beating Topuria will likely mean more for his legacy long term than beating Gaethje or Oliveira imo