After defeating Renato Moicano at UFC 311, Islam Makhachev is keeping his options open when it comes to securing his second belt under the promotion. In his approach, the Dagestani fighter has come forward to challenge middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis. This challenge has been taken seriously by the 185 lbs champion, and he has already responded to it. Amidst the chaos, a video has resurfaced showing Khabib Nurmagomedov putting a reporter in his place for being disrespectful toward Israel Adesanya. What did he say? Let’s find out.

Back in 2022 at the Hall of Fame ceremony, Khabib Nurmagomedov was asked by a reporter whether he would be able to defeat Israel Adesnaya in the middleweight division. This question was answered gracefully by the former lightweight champion, who emphasized that he would never compete in the middleweight division, “No, because I’m not going to fight at 185. I’m not gonna fight with him right now. This is his time, you know. Don’t try to take his greatness. How many years has he been the middleweight champion? Three? Four? I think he deserves some respect,” said Nurmagomedov.

He further added, “Don’t treat him like this, like some lightweight can beat him easily. If we grapple, we can grapple in the gym, like I did with all these heavyweights, light-heavyweights, and middleweights in the gym. Like, whatever I did. But going to fight and talk about, “Oh, I can smash him” — I didn’t say this. People talk about this. I don’t agree with this.”

From the video, we could witness a classic respect and humbleness by a champion for a champion. Israel Adesanya ruled the middleweight division during his reign as champion. Regarded as one of the most active titleholders, Adesanya’s dominance came to an end after his clash with Sean Strickland. Well, the grace and respect between champions might have been in a downturn trend as the recent Islam Makahchev and Dricus Du Plessis fiasco is the prime example of the fact that the champions are in a mood to clash.

Interestingly, Islam Makhachev in his recent conversation revealed that he has what it takes to defeat Dricus Du Plessis. Want to know what gameplan, he has? Let’s find out.

Islam Makhachev believes can defeat Dricus du Plessis through a crucial gameplan

At the UFC 311, post-fight press conference, Islam Makhachev emphasized that he has what it takes to defeat Dricus Du Plessis and snatch the belt away from him. These comments by the lightweight champion stormed across the MMA community as ‘StillKnocks’ is yet to be defeated under the UFC banner. Makhachev is willing to jump two divisions as he believes he has the key to success in defeating the middleweight champ.

While having a conversation with the media, Makhachev stated, “My height allows [a move to middleweight],” Makhachev told Ushatayka. “I think my physical data allows it, too. I just need to work with my specialists, gain muscle mass, add a little weight. I think I can try. As I already said at the press conference after the fight, if they offered it to me tomorrow and say they will give me time to gain weight, I would not turn it down. I would 100 percent agree to fight at middleweight.”

He further added, “I’m not saying that I have a better chance, that I can 100 percent finish Du Plessis, but watching his fights, watching his style, I think I have the keys to victory.”  Islam Makhachev is leaving no stone unturned to become a double champ ahead of his retirement but will the UFC CEO agree to his demands? Well, only time has the answer. Regardless, what’s your take on the hubbub? State your thoughts in the comments below.