Islam Makhachev has stirred the pot of a debate once again and this bold claim involves #7 pound-for-pound middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis as the point of focus. Makhachev’s comments on the ‘DDP’ fight started a fan debate with his declaration of beating DDP in a probable middleweight title contention. The Dagestani warrior voiced his confidence in defeating ‘Stillknocks’ even though they have huge differences in their physiques. The lightweight champion said that his fight IQ and physique could help him defeat the middleweight phenom.

Now he is eyeing his historic transfer to middleweight and this bid is surprisingly fueled somewhat by his training partner and welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Islam Makhachev had said to Ushatayka, “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.”

However, the South African powerhouse dismissed the idea and claimed that he is focused on preparing for his upcoming clash against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. ‘Stillknocks’ is set to defend his title against ‘Tarzan’ in Sydney, in a rematch from their first showdown at UFC 297. On the other hand, the Dagestani phenom is basking in the glory of his UFC 311 victory against Renato Moicano. The claim made by Makhachev about DDP started a huge debate among the UFC buffs who brought Belal Muhammad and Khamzat Chimaev into the mix.

Can Islam Makhachev dethrone Dricus Du Plessis? Fans debate

On the Instagram post made by Championship Rounds. One fan questioned Makhachev moving up and possibly facing Khamzat Chimaev, if ‘Borz’ were to claim the middleweight title, “What if Khamzat became champ, would he still wanna go up?” while another replied, saying, “hell nah.”

One user took sides with the lightweight champion, alluding to him beating Du Plessis and eventually facing the Chechen, “Yes but only Islam is the Pound for Pound best fighter on Earth, so let him get a chance to prove it. If he does it, that would mean we also get to see Makhachev vs Chimaev and that’s a legendary matchup.” Makhachev vs. Chimaev is intriguing as both fighters have similar styles, and their nations also have quite a bit of history.

On the other hand, another fan supported DDP and said, “Everyone says they beat DDP but they end up getting smoked,”, but that comment was quickly rebuffed by the follow reply, “Same can be said with Islam.” One follower commented on both fighters’ gas tanks, asking fans not to underestimate Chimaev’s, “Funny thinking Khamazat is gassed he fights for 3 rounds of course he is giving everything his opponents are also tired he will make Islam look like a child.” Given the history between Dagestan and Chechnya, this could ignite a rivalry never-before-seen. In that light, one user said, “That would start a war between Dagestan and Chechnya.”

One fan didn’t see why there’d be a problem with Makhachev moving up to middleweight, and not welterweight, as he’s chummy with Belal Muhammad, the 170-lb king, “Yes why not? He’s not close to Khamzat like he’s close to Belal.” The only reason Islam Makhachev is not moving up in weight is because ‘Remember The Name’ currently holds the belt.

And what about the middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis? How did he respond to Makhachev’s claims of beating him? Well, unsurprisingly, DDP warned Makhachev of his confident claim of beating him. Speaking to FOX Sports Australia, he said, “Look, (Islam) trains with 185ers in his gym, but there is only one world champion. So, kudos to him… but it doesn’t matter because I’ll overpower him in any situation. I know he walks around heavy, but I walk around heavy. He’s a big lightweight, and I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference there.”

That being said, do you think Islam Makhachev has what it takes to jump up two weight classes? Will he be able to take on the reigning middleweight champion if Dana White ever lets that happen? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.