Dricus Du Plessis dismisses dangers of ambitious ‘big lightweight’ Islam Makhachev 

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis responds to UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's ambitions in the 185 lbs division.

Dricus Du Plessis dismisses dangers of ambitious ‘big lightweight’ Islam Makhachev 

Dricus Du Plessis discusses Islam Makhachev's middleweight division aspirations (Image via Imago)

In the current UFC landscape, there has been considerable discussion about potential champion vs. champion matchups. The UFC lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, has attracted significant attention in this regard. Recently, he expressed confidence in his ability to compete comfortably against the UFC middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis.

Interestingly, several prominent figures in the UFC community support the aspiration of the UFC lightweight champion. Many believe that Islam Makhachev would not have any difficulties facing the UFC middleweight champion. However, Dricus Du Plessis, who holds the middleweight title at 185 pounds, openly discussed Makhachev’s desire to fight him in the future.

I’ll overpower [Islam] in any situation. I know he walks around heavy, but I walk around heavy. He’s a big lightweight, I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference there.

Dricus Du Plessis via Fox Australia
YouTube video

Du Plessis is arguably one of the dominant competitors in the UFC middleweight division. Since his promotional debut, the South African has decisively defeated every formidable opponent he has faced. Most recently, Du Plessis solidified his status by defeating former champion Israel Adesanya.

High on confidence, DDP remains unfazed by threats from competitors like Makhachev, who fight in a lower weight class, 30 pounds below him. In addition to Du Plessis, Makhachev’s rising aspirations were also associated with a potential matchup against the UFC welterweight champion.

However, due to the lightweight champion’s strong friendship with the 170 lbs champion, this fight has considerable uncertainty. As for Makhachev, the Dagestani fighter seems unfazed by the situation, as he recently emphasized his ambitions of becoming a double champion to the public.

Khamzat Chimaev sparks ‘doubtful’ reaction on Islam Makhachev’s middleweight aspirations

The UFC middleweight division is packed with numerous exciting fighters. One notable name on the rise is Khamzat Chimaev, who has been dominant in the division. Most recently, he faced a formidable challenge in Robert Whittaker and successfully neutralized him. In the aftermath of this fight, Chimaev spoke about the potential for Islam Makhachev to compete in his division.

Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Islam Makhachev's potential fight in the middleweight division
Khamzat Chimaev reacts to Islam Makhachev’s potential fight in the middleweight division (Image via Imago)

Makhachev and Chimaev does not hold any grudge towards one another. However, when discussing Makhachev’s ambitions in the middleweight division, Chimaev expressed some doubts. During an appearance on Aslanbek Badaev’s YouTube channel, the Chechen fighter compared Makhachev to Khabib Nurmagomedov while downplaying the former’s aspirations.

If anyone could move up at 170 or 185 it would be Khabib. As for Islam, I have my doubts because of his last fight. It was tough for him.

Khamzat Chimaev via Aslanbek Badaev on YouTube

Chimaev specifically pointed out that Makhachev had a tough fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Following that bout, the UFC lightweight champion successfully defended his title against Renato Moicano at UFC 311. There is still considerable uncertainty regarding Makhachev’s potential move to the middleweight division, and it remains to be seen how the UFC executives feel about this situation.

Related: Islam Makhachev Net Worth, Endorsements, UFC contract, Wife and House