UFC 317 is finally set to have a main event featuring Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira. However, this matchup may not be exactly what fans were hoping for. The International Fight Week booking has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the significance of this fight and the decision to move Islam Makhachev up to welterweight.
Many fans have expressed disappointment in the fight between Topuria and Oliveira, feeling that it lacks the high stakes and excitement of other potential matchups. While the bout is expected to be entertaining, it may not have the same impact as a fight between Topuria and Makhachev would have had.
@KevinSeccia: Ben, I love Chucky Olives and he’s exciting but this fight is a huge letdown and it’s weird to see people pretending it’s not, and wildly misusing the fire emoji. It’s fun but not dominant champ vs dominant champ. They could’ve had it all and they blew it. Am I wrong?
Kevin’s sentiment is shared by many, with some feeling that the matchup between Topuria and Oliveira falls short of what could have been. The decision to have Makhachev move up to welterweight has also raised concerns among fans, particularly regarding the impact on the division’s top contenders.
@MMAbandwagon: Where is the collective outrage about Islam fighting for a welterweight belt? There’s a heap of title challengers at 170 and Topuria could be the second Georgian to take out a Dagestani. If I was Garry, Brady, or Shavkat I’d be furious. What is the rush with pushing Islam to 170?
The move to have Makhachev fight for a welterweight belt has sparked controversy, with some feeling that it undermines the division’s top contenders. The decision to prioritize Makhachev’s move up in weight over potential matchups with fighters like Topuria has left many questioning the direction of the UFC’s matchmaking.
@DP819: I agree with you on Jones ducking Aspinall, but is not fighting Aspinall REALLY a stain on his career,? He just dismantled the best HW ever, but Tom is the capstone? Theres always another threat. No one looks at Mighty Mouse and says “yea, but he didn’t fight Brandon Moreno”.
The discussion around Jon Jones potentially avoiding a fight with Tom Aspinall has raised questions about the impact on his legacy. While Jones has had notable victories in his career, some feel that not facing Aspinall could leave a stain on his reputation as a heavyweight contender.
@WorldsWorstHero: What MLB/NBA/NFL teams do Montana natives root for? Y’all ain’t got s*** over there, lol
Montana natives have a variety of options when it comes to rooting for pro sports teams, with some choosing teams based on geographic proximity or family ties. The University of Montana Grizzlies football team also holds a special place in the hearts of many Montanans, with a strong tradition of success in college football.
@EyeofMihawk: I have two. First one, is being bald the best base for MMA? Almost all the GOATs have been bald. One of them, Jose Aldo, retired this past weekend. (Secondly) How different is his legacy if the judges were giving him these close decisions? A lot different or not much?
The discussion around baldness and success in MMA has raised interesting questions about the correlation between the two. Additionally, the legacy of fighters like Jose Aldo and the impact of close decisions on their careers have sparked debate among fans and analysts.
@jmprobus: Is Weili vs Valentina on the horizon? What are the components of that potential matchup, that you find most interesting?
Fans are eager to see a potential matchup between Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko, with many viewing it as the next logical step for Shevchenko’s career. The contrasting styles and strengths of the two fighters make this a compelling matchup that could have significant implications for both athletes.