Why do people act like Merab isn't a much better champion than Topuria?

[Doctor Grudge]

do people act like that? Merab is a respected champion.

I think people think Topuria is a better fighter than Merab, which doesn't sound crazy. That is different from being a better champion.

 

[Doctor Grudge]

I wonder why they didn't go for Merab v Volk instead of Lopes 2?

surely his style and pace translates well only 10 lbs up

because merab doesnt want to fight at FW. why would he vacate his belt to fight someone way bigger than him? he'd probably lose too.

merab is aware he can establish a strong legacy by just beating up everyone in his division like GSP, MM, Silva, Jones. BW does not really have an equivalent, so he has to beat out Dom Cruz (underrated career, but still not the same level as the guys mentioned).

 

[Hezekiah]

Because Ilia is a FIGHTER not a crotch sniffing gremlin.

Ah yes the FIGHTER who spends most of his time bitching in interviews.

Up till now he fights once a year, and now he wants to pick and choose his opponents. He's a DIVA before anything else.

 

[Marko Polo]

Merabs fight style is gabbage

 

[Russie]

I don't know there are even conversations where the two are compared. I like Merab a lot. Some are going to always knock him for his style. That's not going to change and I would say that it shouldn't change just to please those that don't like it. Ilia gets knockouts which will always put someone higher on the likability scale.

 

[Mind Mine]

Merab is a greater champion in that he dominates and wins and showcases a ton of skill. Illia is a more exciting fighter when he fights because of the fact he knocks people out. This will always get praise and attention. Nobody has compared the two before today

 

[Frode Falch]

*Points at Merab haters*

Points are Indeed the keyword when we compare merab to ilia.

 

[188912345]

I'm a lot more hyped for Ilias fights than Merabs, but Merab makes up for it by being more active.

 

[Hezekiah]

Points are Indeed the keyword when we compare merab to ilia.

What about "inactivity", "diva", "super-fight"...?

 

[Koro_11]

I like both and I think both are great champions for different reasons.

Ilia is more exciting, more ambitious in seeking 3 titles, and almost guaranteed to deliver a knockout.

Merab is more active and more willing to fight anyone who earns it, but he's almost guaranteed to go to decision.

 

[SuperNerd]

If Merab was in a division that was slightly interesting, he'd have more haters.

It's funny watching criticisms that haunted division goats like Georges, DJ, Silva, Bones, ect. just wash off Merab's back.

Nobody really cares, and we're gonna be glad when he gets pieced up, so we can move on.

His defenders say the same things "he fights a lot". Fucking spare me. Please, don't. I'm good with one Merab fight a year.

 

[arcadeperfect]

Merab is the only fighting champion we have. Pantoja is next best. Otherwise we have Volk who hasn't fought since April and is now scheduled to finally defend at the end of January (9 months). Ilia now taking time away or whatever and will be at least a year between fights. We'll be lucky if Islam fights before Ramadan, so 6 months. Khamzat out with foot surgery and won't be back till after Ramadan, so at least 7 months. Pereira has been active but he seems to be angling for a HW fight on the White House card, so who knows when the LHW belt will be defended. And then we have one eyed Tom currently holding up the HW division for who knows how long.

Volk gets a pass due to the back to back KO losses he received and then the grueling fight he had with Lopes. He paid his dues during his first reign as champion.

 

[Fedorgasm]

Because Flyweight/Bantamweight champs can only get so popular just ask DJ

I like Merab better than DJ

 

[SuperNerd]

I like Merab better than DJ

 

[moosaev]

*Points at Merab haters*

Merab is a great champ in the sense he’ll fight whoever he’s given and he’s very active, but I still think he’s boring as shit. Dude is the wall stall king, Ank was mocked for pinning Alex against the cage for a round, seems like everyone forgot that Merab built his entire career on that style. Ilia by contrast is a horrible champ from an activity standpoint and in terms of willingness to defend against #1 contenders, but you can’t deny that he’s one of the most entertaining fighters in UFC history. Every minute he fights is dynamite, like Mike Tyson in the 80s.

 

[omawho402]

Topuria is far more exiting to watch, but Merab shows up better.

 

[Frode Falch]

What about "inactivity", "diva", "super-fight"...?

Meh

 

[Rampage_Jackson]

*Points at Merab haters*

Hi, it me, Merab hater.

I never said anything like you are insinuating. I give zero fucks if I miss a Merab fight but he's as active of a champion as you can hope for. How is this a debate? Ilia refuses to fight top guys he's a WOAT level champ.

 

[Paladin]

Merab is the only fighting champion we have. Pantoja is next best. Otherwise we have Volk who hasn't fought since April and is now scheduled to finally defend at the end of January (9 months). Ilia now taking time away or whatever and will be at least a year between fights. We'll be lucky if Islam fights before Ramadan, so 6 months. Khamzat out with foot surgery and won't be back till after Ramadan, so at least 7 months. Pereira has been active but he seems to be angling for a HW fight on the White House card, so who knows when the LHW belt will be defended. And then we have one eyed Tom currently holding up the HW division for who knows how long.

Hamzat, Topuria and Islam are nightmare champions. Hamzat and topuria in particular have particularly long turn around times, with Top saying he won’t fight if his brother has a fight, Hamzat being the usual 1 fight every 13 months, and don’t forget Ramadan.. so as good as they are, their inactivity is just too much.

 

[Meathead Jock]

Still frustrated by matchmaking and feel the need to give props to Merab for fighting all the top contenders without long gaps in between.

The people's champ!