What does Elyot say that halts the fight with Victor before it begins? Why does this work?

Elyot tells Victor that the women want them to fight. He claims this because he feels it will only appease their vanity to have the two men fighting over them. When Victor finally thinks about what Elyot says, he seems to think that it makes sense and asks Elyot if he loves Amanda. Another reason this may have worked is because the statement serves as a distraction to Victor.