Daniel Cormier Gives Islam Makhachev & Team Khabib a Reality Check on Challenging Dricus Du Plessis

Islam Makhachev wants to do something that few have done before in the UFC- move up two weight classes and become champion. The lightweight champ, of course, has long wanted to become a double champ. But he went one step further at a recent press conference, as the Dagestani claimed he could even move up to middleweight and beat its reigning champ, Dricus Du Plessis there.

Even Makhachev’s head coach, Javier Mendez, who isn’t one to exaggerate, has said that the Dagestani “has the ability” to go “for three titles in three weight divisions.” However, most in the MMA world are skeptical of this claim. Including even Makhachev’s friend and former teammate, Daniel Cormier, who felt that the Dagestani was somewhat underestimating the middleweight champ.

“We have to respect Dricus Du Plessis. I think Islam respects him, I don’t know that Islam would understand how hard it would be to fight a guy of that size. I think this guy might weigh 220! 220 when he’s not making weight. You know, many people talk about the amount of weight that the Russians cut and Islam cuts weight to make 155,” Cormier said on his official YouTube channel.

Indeed Cormier is correct. One of the most pertinent accusations leveled against the Dagestani fighters is that they are weight bullies. But, as ‘DDP’ recently pointed out, Makhachev may be “a big lightweight, but I’m a big middleweight.” Fans will remember even Joe Rogan wondering recently how Du Plessis makes 185 since he is so big. And Cormier seemingly agrees with ‘DDP’ and Rogan and feels that fighting the South African at middleweight would be much” harder than Makhachev seems to believe.

“But I don’t know that even on his heaviest days, he weighs 185. Now, I’m not saying that I don’t think that he can do it. I just think that it’s much harder than I think anyone understands to go up two weight classes,” he added. In addition to the size, there is another reason that Makhachev will likely find beating Du Plessis a very uphill task.

Islam Makhachev’s two main challenges in a potential Du Plessis middleweight clash

As Cormier points out in the same video, “there are weight classes for a reason.” The laws of physics dictate that with more mass, strength increases too. It also means that a heavier fighter needs to be hit harder and with more force to hurt them than a lighter fighter all things being equal.

After all, almost every fighter in the UFC cuts weight to compete at a lower weight class because that gives them a competitive advantage. While Makhachev does have the tools and the skills to compete at middleweight, Du Plessis may just be a bridge too far. At least that is what ‘DDP’ thinks. Why? Well, not just because of his sheer size, but also his totally wild and unreasonably effective style of fighting.

After all, almost everything the middleweight champ does is technically ‘incorrect.’ But the South African, because of his immense strength, amazing cardio, and indomitable spirit is able to just find a way to win.

“He obviously trains with the 185ers in his gym. He doesn’t train against me. Believe me, it’s not the same thing. Even on a technical level, in stand up? His wrestling and grappling is phenomenal. But I’m just overpowered,” Du Plessis said in a recent interview with ‘Main Event.’ What are your thoughts on ‘DC’s warning for Makhachev wanting to fight Du Plessis at middleweight?