who should be Islam's first WW defense? (poll)

[Chubi]

If he dropped back down to WW?!

That'd be wild.

And here I was thinking "other" wasn't viable when I put it...

Nope, at MW for a third belt.

 

[PurpleDrank]

The fight id want to see is probably Morales, but that does nothing for Islams legacy. Usman or Garry if he wins.

 

[SkinnyClaw]

It should be Morales, I don't care for him, but smoking Sean Brady puts him at number 1 imo

 

[IneedSometop]

1a and 1b are Morales and Shavkat...slight edge to morales due to activity.

 

[El Fernas]

There are new guys coming up since his last win, but Rakhmonov, you know, the guy that has beat everyone was next and he should be next, not the flavor of the week Morales or Prates, they are cool and all, but before last night they were 8 & 9, they need one more, preferably not against each other.

 

[Rorschachxx]

Any of those options except Usman and Topuria.

Neither should be anywhere near a WW titlefight.

 

[Morris88]

Conno Mogreggo

 

[RockyLockridge]

hoping for islam vs illa

 

[HeadKickerV2]

As long as its not Belal, Usman or Topuria

 

[cburm]

Well should be usmen shavkat for 2026 then illia 2027..

But itle more than likely be

Islam vs illia usmen or usmen illia for 2026

While shavkat would have to wait until next year 2027...

It sucks on the wait but I'd like to see all 3 and usmen is getting up there so him next would be ideal

 

[cburm]

I mean islam only faught once this year unless you count short notice gift moicono as his second. Some how since no real contendor stepped up.

 

[rjmbrd]

Welterweight is a bit messy at the top right now, but with a lot of exciting fights.

Prates has fought TWICE since his decision loss to Garry and they were both walk off, killed a guy KOs. He's now 6-1 overall with 6 KOs. Meanwhile Garry hasn't fought and is fighting a guy coming off a loss.

Shavkat - who I love to watch fight - isn't even in the discussion in my opinion. He hasn't fought in a year, and it was an entire year before his previous fight. You can't let others fight in your place, you have to earn your spot. He belongs in a title eliminator.

Morales is now 5-0 and just murdered a streaking Brady who was 8-1 overall, only lost to a world champion and was on a 3 fight streak. He belongs in a title eliminator.

I have a doubt Islam is going to fight anytime soon, he's not a particularly active guy in general. So its hard to say what the picture is 5-6 months from now, its going to be a mix of who is injured and who is ready to go on a proposed date.

 

[swizztony]

In order of most deserving:
1. Morales
2. Shavkat
3. Garry if he beats Belal
4. Prates
5. Usman

 

[jban]

Should be: Shavkat
Would not mind: Morales, Garry (if he beats Belal)
Actual prediction: Sadly, Usman.

My thinking also. However, for the people saying Prates, Ian Garry beat him decisive fashion in his last fight earlier this year. Prates should not be leapfrogging Garry if he beats Belal. Shavkat is coming back in February/March, so with that layoff of almost 15 months, I would think the UFC would want Shavkat to fight one more time in a title eliminator. So, my prediction is Usman also or even the Belal/Garry winner. Ali will make sure his client Belal or Usman gets paid next in a fight against Islam.

 

[swarrrm]

Shavkat if he can make the date, otherwise Morales
Topuria I would be ok with, massive size disadvantage though



Muhammad would be 1 -1, is old, wouldn't fight Islam
Garry would be 1 - 1
Prates would be 1 - 1
Usman is 1 - 3 and old, same manager. farewell sparring retirement match

Prates KO'd Neal with a spinning elbow a few months ago after the Garry loss.

 

[jban]

Welterweight is a bit messy at the top right now, but with a lot of exciting fights.

Prates has fought TWICE since his decision loss to Garry and they were both walk off, killed a guy KOs. He's now 6-1 overall with 6 KOs. Meanwhile Garry hasn't fought and is fighting a guy coming off a loss.

Shavkat - who I love to watch fight - isn't even in the discussion in my opinion. He hasn't fought in a year, and it was an entire year before his previous fight. You can't let others fight in your place, you have to earn your spot. He belongs in a title eliminator.

Morales is now 5-0 and just murdered a streaking Brady who was 8-1 overall, only lost to a world champion and was on a 3 fight streak. He belongs in a title eliminator.

I have a doubt Islam is going to fight anytime soon, he's not a particularly active guy in general. So its hard to say what the picture is 5-6 months from now, its going to be a mix of who is injured and who is ready to go on a proposed date.

Shavkat is supposed to be ready for February/March. I would definitely like to see a Title Eliminator between Morales vs. Shavkat. I do not see the UFC giving Shavkat a shot being away for 15 months. He belongs in a title eliminator. I do not see Prates leapfrogging Garry, after losing to Garry in decisive fashion earlier this year. So, that leaves either Belal/Garry winner or Usman as the options. Ali would make sure his clients Usman or Belal get paid next though.

 

[JoeRowe]

Anything other than Shavkat or Morales is blatant ducking. Fight a real WW contender or vacate the belt.

 

[Sycho Sid]

Shavkat
Garry
Morales

These are the only 3 who I would consider are current top contenders. And would be fine with any of them. *Garry is predicated on beating Belal*

Why the fuck is Prates even being mentioned aside from being exciting.? Two solid wins, sure, but he also just lost to Garry

 

[Pequeño Corey]

After last night? Morales. Machado if he runs over Blahal. Both are interesting for different reasons.

Prates is my third pick. He’s kinda like the wild card. I’d pick Islam comfortably, but ya’ never know.

Definitely not Usman.

Surprised by the amount of Shavkat votes. Dude is coming up on a year of inactivity. Wouldn’t a tune up suit him? Knee surgery and then he re-injured it. No clue why anyone who considers themselves a fan of his would want to rush him into a TS with the #1 p4p. If he comes back and looks like his old self against anyone in the top ten, then throw him in there for a TS next. Fuck it. Give him Bonzofim.

 

[rjmbrd]

Shavkat is supposed to be ready for February/March. I would definitely like to see a Title Eliminator between Morales vs. Shavkat. I do not see the UFC giving Shavkat a shot being away for 15 months. He belongs in a title eliminator. I do not see Prates leapfrogging Garry, after losing to Garry in decisive fashion earlier this year. So, that leaves either Belal/Garry winner or Usman as the options. Ali would make sure his clients Usman or Belal get paid next though.

Agreed Shavkat x Moraes looks good and sounds fun.

re: Garry ... keep in mind Prates has fought TWICE since he dropped a decision to Garry, while Garry has done jack shit. They were both murderous walk-off KOs against long ranked opponents. I'd also add Garry himself was only one fight removed from a loss to Shavkat, and put on a point fighting stinker against Prates who nearly killed him in the final round.

Usman isn't remotely in the discussion, other than getting to fight the loser of any of the meaningful fights, or down the rankings.