UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis isn’t buying Islam Makhachev’s ambitious plans to move up from lightweight. Du Plessis laughs off coach Javier Mendez’s claims that Makhachev can compete at 185 pounds, suggesting the lightweight champ should focus on defending his current belt instead. He points to the significant size difference and physicality at middleweight, drawing comparisons to Conor McGregor’s historic multi-division success. The complexities of competing across weight classes present challenges that’ll shape both champions’ futures.
Key Highlights
- Du Plessis dismisses Makhachev’s middleweight ambitions and laughs off coach Javier Mendez’s claims about his potential success at 185 pounds.
- The middleweight champion warns Makhachev about the significant size difference and physical challenges he would face in the division.
- Du Plessis advises Makhachev to focus on defending his lightweight belt rather than pursuing ambitious multi-division goals.
- The South African champion emphasizes the rarity of successful multi-division champions, comparing it to Conor McGregor’s historic achievements.
- Du Plessis’ upcoming title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 could impact Makhachev’s potential path to middleweight.
While Islam Makhachev dreams of becoming a multi-division champion, UFC Middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis isn’t buying into the hype. The South African champion recently laughed off suggestions that Makhachev could successfully compete at 185 pounds, despite claims from the lightweight champion‘s coach, Javier Mendez, about his fighter’s midweight potential.
Du Plessis, who’s proven his worth with a record of 22-2 and an impressive mix of knockouts and submissions, believes Makhachev should focus on defending his lightweight belt before entertaining thoughts of moving up two weight classes. You’ll find that this stance comes from Du Plessis’ understanding of how rare it is for fighters to successfully hold belts in multiple divisions, drawing parallels to Conor McGregor’s historic achievements. Du Plessis emphasized that three to four title defenses should be the minimum before considering such a dramatic move up in weight.
The situation has become more complex since Makhachev’s original plans to move to welterweight were disrupted by Belal Muhammad’s title victory. This setback hasn’t deterred Makhachev’s ambitions, though, as he’s now set his sights on an even more ambitious jump to middleweight, with his manager expressing confidence in his ability to capture the 185-pound title. With UFC 300 approaching as a historic milestone event, the timing of Makhachev’s aspirations adds another layer of intrigue to the situation.
You might wonder about the feasibility of such a dramatic weight jump, and you’re not alone. Even Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter who’s successfully competed across multiple weight classes, doubts Makhachev’s ability to handle the physicality of middleweight competition. The lightweight champion would face considerably larger opponents despite his impressive skill set, which dominated the 155-pound division.
The timing of this discussion is fascinating as Du Plessis prepares for his next title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February 2025. This upcoming fight could further cement Du Plessis’ position as the division’s kingpin, making any potential matchup with Makhachev even more noteworthy.
The landscape of both divisions hangs in the balance, with Khamzat Chimaev likely getting his shot at the middleweight title before Makhachev could make his move. You’ll need to reflect that while Makhachev’s triple-champ aspirations are bold, Du Plessis’ skepticism comes from a place of experience and understanding of the considerable challenges involved in moving up weight classes.
The coming months will reveal whether Makhachev’s ambitious plans will materialize or if Du Plessis’ cautionary stance proves wisdom worth heeding.
To Sum it Up
You’ll want to think twice before challenging fighters outside your natural weight class, as Du Plessis’s warning to Makhachev makes clear. While moving up divisions can be tempting for champions seeking double-belt status, the size and power differences are significant. Makhachev’s skills at lightweight are impressive, but middleweight presents unique challenges that can’t be overlooked. The jump of 30 pounds isn’t just about weight – it’s about strength, reach, and fighting dynamics.
