Islam Makhachev had long hinted that he will not follow his mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s footsteps. While Khabib never made a move out of his weight class, Makhachev wants to be flexible. After conquering the lightweight division, the Dagestani champion wants to try his luck at the middleweight title. Now, with the fans rooting for a potential fight against Dricus du Plessis, Makhachev himself has doubled down on his chances of winning against the South African.
Surprisingly, the lightweight king did not look very convinced about taking Du Plessis down. In a recent interaction with ‘Ushatayka’ Makhachev mentioned that he has analyzed Du Plessis’ fighting style. And he thinks that he might just be able to get the better of the UFC middleweight champion. But a knockout? Well, that’s where the Dagestani drew the line.
“My height allows it, I think my physical data allows it too… I’m not saying that I can 100% finish Du Plessis. But watching his fights, watching his style, I think I have the keys to victory,” said Makhachev.
Islam Makhachev talks a move to 185:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 26, 2025
“My height allows it, I think my physical data allows it too…
I’m not saying that I can 100% finish Du Plessis. But watching his fights, watching his style, I think I have the keys to victory.” 👀
🎥 Ushataykapic.twitter.com/rK2N3mUYof
Surely, Makhachev has a point here. Owing to the unorthodox nature of Dricus du Plessis, taking him down might not be an easy task. Infact, the middleweight champion himself issued a warning recently to Islam Makhachev.
Dricus Du Plessis Confident Of ‘Overpowering’ Islam Makhachev
Dricus Du Plessis is all in on the prospect of a bout against the lightweight king. However, instead of being concerned, ‘Stillknocks’ is oozing confidence. Speaking about how the fight would turn out, Du Plessis had a bold statement to make.
“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,” Du Plessis stated via ‘FOXSportsAUS’.
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Dricus du Plessis reacts to Islam Makhachev saying he'd be willing to move up to 185 and fight him:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 24, 2025
"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."… pic.twitter.com/y3MlZUKG66
Thus, the shots have been called from both the sides. And if ‘Stillknocks’ manages to retain his title against Sean Strickland, then the UFC world might be in for a breathtaking match up.
Also Read: Sean Strickland Pushes For Stand-Up Showdown With Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 312
