Islam Makhachev’s dream of becoming the UFC’s first three-weight world champion is creating quite a buzz. The lightweight king recently expressed interest in facing middleweight Dricus Du Plessis, sparking a lively response from the South African fighter. Makhachev, fresh off his successful title defense at UFC 311 against Renato Moicano, stated he would fight Du Plessis if given the chance, further asserting that he could become a three-division champion.
Du Plessis Acknowledges Makhachev’s Talent but Highlights Size Difference
“I can be three division champion also. Just give me the chance, that’s it,” Makhachev boldly declared. “I will fight with Du Plessis, give me the chance, I will fight him also. I swear if Dana White sends me the contract, I will fight him also.”
Du Plessis, who is preparing for his own upcoming battle at UFC 312 against Sean Strickland, had an intriguing response to Makhachev’s callout. Although Du Plessis acknowledges Makhachev’s undeniable skills, he is quick to point out the significant size difference between them.
“If we get to a situation where we are not… he’s an incredible fighter, make no mistake. He was so incredibly good against Moicano he once again proved why he is pound for pound best in the world,” Du Plessis shared. He didn’t hold back in his analysis of the fight: “I don’t care how good you are, he’s 30lbs lighter, and he obviously trains with 185ers in his gym, but he doesn’t train against me, believe me, it’s not the same thing.”
Du Plessis acknowledged that Makhachev’s wrestling and grappling are phenomenal, but he feels his own size and strength would be a big advantage in this matchup. “Even on a technical level like stand-up, that’s just, you know, his wrestling and grappling is phenomenal,” Du Plessis explained.
“I’m just overpowered. That’s what I think. It makes a massive difference. He’s a big lightweight, but I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference between a big lightweight and a big middleweight.”
Could This Fight Happen Under the Right Conditions?
Still, Du Plessis isn’t totally opposed to the idea. If circumstances align, he’d be more than happy to step into the octagon with Makhachev for what he views as a potential “easy payday.” “If there was ever a situation where there’s no fight for me, no fight for him that makes sense, I’d be more than happy to do it, easy payday,” the middleweight champion claimed.
While Makhachev’s triple-champion dreams are stirring up excitement, it’s clear that Du Plessis is keeping his focus on his upcoming title defense. But with both fighters carving their paths to greatness, it seems like anything is possible in the UFC’s constantly evolving landscape.
