The big PROBLEM with Topuria's path to victory that I can't get over

[TRVITMVNZ]

i think it’s going be harder to get Max to the ground than people think

 

[muaythaibeast]

I like Max and think he wins, but he's definitely hittable.
Very likely he takes at least 150 significant strikes in this fight. There's a good chance he walks through them, but at some point his chin is going to give.

 

[ChangeIsComing]

Max looked rough yesterday, the weight cut is obviously getting harder. It might be a huge factor.
Saying this as a Max fan.

Its looked rough for him before and he has won, I do not recall him every looking good during his weight cuts even as far back as when he fought Conor.

 

[Luckyme]

I'm curious how effectively Topuria will be able to get Max's back close to the cage.

Because if he isn't effective at all in doing so, and the fight remains in the center of the octagon I think that will make it very hard for Ilia.

This will be key for Max as all of Ilia's KOs have come with his opponent being backed up against the case (Volk, Herbert, Jackson).

Also Ilia has powerful leg kicks - knocked Bryce off his feet from one of them - and Max isn't known to be great at checking them.

 

[Benoitthegr8]

Topuria is largely untested, his ceiling is still an unknown. I think this fight will tell us much more than beating a pseudo-contender Josh Emmett, or a vicious post KO 37 year old Volk.

 

[Rapa]

Easy? He only has one sub in the UFC and it was after hurting Bryce Mitchell on the feet.

Well he took down max 3 times and then knocked fck out of him

 

[elcj]

Help me understand.

Given both guys' skill sets and styles, anyone that's picking Ilia to win is picking him to knock Max out early, right?

You're banking on a guy who rarely gets hit completely clean without rolling with punches, with arguably the best chin in the sport, who's never been knocked out to get knocked out?

To me, this just seems like a silly thing to bank on. While it's definitely possible, it's a very low chance given what we already know about Max.

So, now, if you (I'm still asking you Topuria fans) know the highest statistical outcome is that this fight goes at least 3 rounds, and you also know Max is typically a guy who gets better and better as the fight goes on, overwhelming opponents with volume, and you also know that Ilia has never even shown you that he can even endure such a nasty pace, how on earth are you so confident he'll win?

Not trying to debate, I'm genuinely curious what the general consensus amongst those picking Topuria is in regards to his path to victory.

For me, history hasn't shown that Ilia is supposed to win this matchup, so I favor Max.

Also before y'all mention it, Max isn't getting held down by Ilia. He also has tremendous TD defense.

I know Ilia is probably the more skilled fighter, but this isn't a purely technical skills competition, it's an mma fight. Did we forget about things like experience, ringsmanship, durability, pace, relentlessness? Do we not value those anymore?

You think Ilia is prepared for a grueling 25 minute war where he's breathing heavy and defending 6 punch combinations? Shit is not that sweet... Calling it now, albeit with many differences, this has Conor Nate 1 vibes written all over it. Y'all gonna see.

So, those picking Topuria, EDUCATE ME please. How does your boy get the job done?

KO

 

[Guy LeDouche]

Oof I do love a good delicious crow thread…
I’m sorry my sherbrother it gets us all.
But

 

[The Legendary Scarface]

KO

Impressive.
I was dead wrong. Fair fucking play.
His hands are diabolical.
You think this is the most impressive consecutive wins ever?

 

[blaseblase]

Well he took down max 3 times and then knocked fck out of him

One time and he did nothing with it. Max again showed great wrestling defense and could not be held down.

 

[Rapa]

One time and he did nothing with it. Max again showed great wrestling defense and could not be held down.

Lol he took him down just to show him he can do it anytime

 

[BjPenn2017]

Good call lol max got fucking slumped had nothing for topuria

 

[mangokush]

Max hasn't fought anyone with a TD threat for a long time, was just given sloppy brawlers like KZ & Justin and was exposed against Ilia which led to him getting KTFO