Dricus du Plessis is open to a combat towards light-weight champion Islam Makhachev, given the best circumstances.
At UFC 311, Makhachev efficiently defended his light-weight title for the fourth time, submitting short-notice substitute Renato Moicano within the first spherical. After his win, dialogue turned as to whether Makhachev will try to maneuver up and pursue champ-champ standing. Nevertheless, Makhachev is pals and occasional coaching companions with present welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, making {that a} robust proposition. In response, Makhachev steered he can be keen to leap up two weight lessons and problem du Plessis for the middleweight title, one thing “Stillknocks” has a tough time believing.
“It’s onerous to essentially suppose and take it critically proper now,” du Plessis informed Major Occasion. “I’ve obtained a giant combat developing, so I didn’t make something of it. If we get to a scenario the place we’re not at proper now — he’s an unimaginable fighter, make no mistake. He was so extremely good towards Moicano. He proved as soon as once more why he’s the pound-for-pound greatest on this planet.
“[But] I don’t care how good you might be — he clearly trains with 185ers in his gymnasium, so he is aware of. He doesn’t prepare towards me. Imagine me, it’s not the identical factor. Even on a technical stage, the standup. His wrestling and grappling is phenomenal. I’d simply overpower him, that’s what I feel.”
Whereas du Plessis could have a tough time believing it’s attainable, Makhachev doesn’t. The highest pound-for-pound fighter on this planet doubled down on his suggestion, saying he simply wants so as to add a little bit little bit of muscle and he has the instruments to beat du Plessis.
Sadly for Makhachev, du Plessis at present has different fish to fry as he defends his middleweight title in a rematch with former champion Sean Strickland subsequent Saturday at UFC 312. Ought to he achieve success then, a matchup with Khamzat Chimaev looms subsequent. However after that, if the UFC needs it, du Plessis says he’d be glad to show Makhachev a lesson in physics.
“It makes a large distinction,” du Plessis stated. “He’s a giant light-weight, however I’m a giant middleweight. There’s a giant distinction between a giant light-weight and a giant middleweight. But when there’s ever the scenario the place there’s no combat for me, no combat for him that is smart, I’ll be very happy to try this. Simple payday.”
