Islam Makhachev Hesitant to Pick Kamaru Usman to Defeat Dricus Du Plessis at Middleweight

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev weighs in on the upcoming matchup between Kamaru Usman and Dricus Du Plessis.

Islam Makhachev Hesitant to Pick Kamaru Usman to Defeat Dricus Du Plessis at Middleweight

Islam Makhachev predicts Kamaru Usman vs Dricus Du Plessis (via MMA Fighting, Yahoo Sports)

Islam Makhachev entered the UFC welterweight division with a dominant performance against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. He has also remained respectful toward Kamaru Usman throughout his career and was ready to give him a fresh first title shot. However, Makhachev could not back Usman ahead of his UFC Oklahoma City middleweight clash against former champion Dricus Du Plessis.

Usman and Makhachev share a strong relationship as both fighters are represented by the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz, under Dominance MMA. The pair have often shown mutual respect throughout their careers despite competing in different divisions. Makhachev’s mentor and UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov also shares a close friendship with the Nigerian superstar, further highlighting their connection.

Usman is set to make his second appearance at 185 pounds against Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City. The former champion is coming off a win over welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley in June 2025. Many believe Usman’s experience could play a major factor in the matchup. However, Makhachev has now weighed in on why his fellow Dominance MMA client could face problems against the South African star.

I was thinking why did Kamaru move up? If he wins against DDP, he becomes the No. 1 contender because he has already beaten Strickland. I think Du Plessis will win. Kamaru has bad knees to fight until the stoppage.

Islam Makhachev via Instagram

Usman was also discussed as Makhachev’s first title defense opponent after the Dagestani star captured welterweight gold. Makhachev cited Usman’s legacy and championship reign as a stronger case than that of other contenders. Ali Abdelaziz was also vocal about the matchup materializing and believed it was inevitable.

The fight was under major consideration, with rumors around the matchup intensifying backstage at UFC 324. Makhachev and Usman faced off at the T-Mobile Arena, while Khabib Nurmagomedov hilariously played peacemaker between them as all three shared a lighthearted moment.

Makhachev has always maintained respect for Usman throughout his career and has regularly defended the former champion. The Dagestani star believed Leon Edwards’ UFC 278 head kick victory was a rare moment rather than a reflection of Usman’s overall abilities. He continued to praise Usman’s accomplishments.

Usman has dealt with knee problems throughout his career and has undergone multiple surgeries during his fighting journey. The former champion had microfracture surgery on his knees even before making his UFC debut. These issues have remained a major part of his career as he prepares for another major challenge.

Dricus Du Plessis believes Kamaru Usman will continue to push forward despite his knee problems as he aims to achieve double-champion status. While Islam Makhachev has picked against ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ ahead of UFC Oklahoma City, he will undoubtedly be supporting him during the matchup.

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Islam Makhachev has established himself as one of the UFC’s biggest stars after a dominant rise through the promotion. He has defeated elite fighters including Charles Oliveira, Alexander Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier. His success has helped him become a two-division champion and cement his legacy.

Makhachev started his demolition course after suffering a loss to Adriano Martins early in his UFC career. He has built a 16-fight winning streak and become one of the promotion’s most dominant fighters. The Dagestani star is tied with Anderson Silva for the longest winning streak in UFC history.

UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev
UFC pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev (via X)

Makhachev is now set to make his first welterweight title defense against Ian Garry at UFC 330. Garry is a younger contender who has risen through the welterweight division with decisive performances. Ahead of the matchup, Makhachev has revealed the biggest challenge he faces as he looks to continue his dominant run.

Right now, I just do not want to lose all of this. I will not be modest that in this sport I have achieved all the height, and I continue to train in the same way. I continue to feel this responsibility that people worry about me, cheer for me, and I do not want to disappoint them.

Islam Makhachev via Prostokulaki

Islam Makhachev has also weighed in on his retirement plans in the past and revealed he does not intend to follow Khabib Nurmagomedov’s exact path. The Dagestani champion remains focused on extending his career, pursuing further achievements, and protecting his legacy.

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