Sobering up about Ilia's wins over Volk and Holloway

[gracie_barra_samurai]

So I've finally sobered up from mode after those Khamzat and Topuria wins.

In boxing it's unheard of for elite level fighters to bulk up from 147 to 154 lbs (7 lbs compared to the 10 lbs jump from 145 to 155) and then come back down. Let alone come back 1 fight later against a guy with killer power. UFC doesn't care for the fighters so they allow this irresponsible stuff.

Add to the fact that both guys likely got some Roy Jones style weakness from dropping muscle:

(1) Islam shattered Volk's chin a few months earlier.

(2) Holloway is CTE'd up and is a 1d fighter without the punch power to make it work.

I still don't see anyone at 145 touching Ilia for a while. Maybe Yair if he lands a lucky kick.

If Umar turns out to be the real deal, he has a good shot but he'll have to bulk up properly.

Usman and Islam probably deal with him easily though at 155.

 

[jeskola]

 

[RonDante]

This is just sad. I’m a massive unending volk fan but I think ilia would have ko’d him with that punch anyways

Did the weight cut make max unable to land any calf kicks on ilia or was it just his game planning? Don’t try to take credit from Ilia

 

[RockyLockridge]

(2) Holloway is CTE'd up and is a 1d fighter without the punch power to make it work.

Pathetic. I always knew this would happen whenever max got finished.

 

[GOATtalks]

Ilia is the best FW ever. He would beat prime Aldo and Conor too. He’s just that good. I’m a bit depressed though, cause Whittaker and Max are one of my favourite fighters ever.

 

[kkthx]

Ilia is the best FW ever. He would beat prime Aldo and Conor too. He’s just that good. I’m a bit depressed though, cause Whittaker and Max are one of my favourite fighters ever.

He's absurdly good but let's calm down for a sec. Let him cook. He has shown to be vulnerable in the past.

 

[Thesnake101]

Ilia got forced up to LW after blowing his weight cut and then moved back down to continue his run to the FW title.

 

[NoSmilez]

I think these fights are good. We know more or less what Topuria is now as a fighter and where he is strong/weak at. He has a lot of power in his hands but he doesn't seem to recognize any kicks or know their setups. I thought those knee stomps were going to bother him if they were allowed to accumulate. He doesn't check kicks and will block with his arms against most kicks above the hip instead of evading. He isn't a technical boxer. He doesn't really set up his shots with a jab. He is fast and will lead with a cross or left hook. He has good combination striking and he does his best work when the opponent is the near the cage.

Wrestling wise I don't think he is on the mythical Dagi level. It is definitely serviceable for a BJJ guy. He can be taken down too but he can explode up. Oh yea he is still a dirty turtleneck enjoyer.

 

[RockyLockridge]

He's absurdly good but let's calm down for a sec. Let him cook. He has shown to be vulnerable in the past.

Nothing to calm down about he's the most talented fight to fight at FW. the first EVER undefeated FW champion with finishes over 2 of the top 3 FW goats.

Not saying he's the FW GOAT yet, but he's the FW BOAT almost assuredly.

 

[jeff7b9]

Fuck that.

Ilia is in his prime and beat those men fair and square.

Not an Ilia fan at all by the way, Max fan.
But the truth is the truth.
Young lion takes out the old lion.
Fair play.