Why Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev Want to Fight Dricus Du Plessis (And How They Plan to “Handle” Him)

Inside Fighting

February 19, 2025

In the UFC, fighting isn’t just about stepping into the octagon—it’s about calling out opponents who make the blood boil and getting the fans talking. Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev, two of the UFC’s most dominant fighters, have both expressed a surprising interest in taking on South Africa’s middleweight sensation, Dricus Du Plessis. But why would two fighters from different weight classes want to face off against a middleweight like Du Plessis? The answer is simple: they both see him as a big challenge, and, well, he’s fun to target. Let’s break it down.

1. Dricus Du Plessis – The Middleweight Who Won’t Stop Winning

First things first, Dricus Du Plessis is making a name for himself in the UFC. This guy is on a seven-fight win streak and looks like he’s made of concrete mixed with a bit of wild animal. His aggressive fighting style has led to him tearing through opponents like a hot knife through butter, and UFC fans are here for it. But while most of the middleweight division is nervously eyeing Du Plessis, two fighters in different weight classes have a different plan—call him out.

Why? Because as Belal Muhammad put it, “I love a challenge, and the guy’s got a big mouth… I mean, big talent!” Well, Muhammad may have been joking, but it’s clear he respects Du Plessis’ rise to the top.

2. Muhammad’s “I’ll Fight Anybody” Attitude (Even if It Means Getting Hit by a Truck)

Belal Muhammad has been nothing short of impressive in the welterweight division, but he’s never one to shy away from a challenge. Why not take on a middleweight who’s making noise in the UFC? Sure, Du Plessis is a big guy and heavier, but Muhammad has a mentality that’s “weight class be damned!” He said, “If the UFC calls me to fight a guy who’s 250 pounds, I’ll do it. I just need a ladder to reach his face, and we’re good!” Muhammad’s willingness to face anyone, no matter the size or weight, makes him a fighter to keep an eye on.

3. Makhachev’s Cross-Division Aspirations (No, He’s Not Overcompensating)

Islam Makhachev, the UFC lightweight champion, has a game plan that could include not just defending his 155-pound title but also dominating other weight classes. “You know, after I crush everyone in my division, I start looking for new toys,” Makhachev joked, giving a nod to Du Plessis as a potential “new toy.”

Makhachev has already been called one of the most well-rounded fighters in MMA, and he’s not afraid to test his skills in other weight divisions. And, honestly, the idea of Makhachev tossing around Du Plessis (who’s a bulky middleweight) is both terrifying and exciting for fight fans. “Du Plessis wants a fight with me? Okay, but he better bring an extra set of knees… I’m going to break his down,” Makhachev said, showing off his signature confidence. The idea of Makhachev proving he’s a problem across multiple divisions? It’s just too tempting to ignore.

4. Du Plessis Is Good for Business

Let’s be honest, Du Plessis is a marketable fighter. He’s got the charisma, the highlight-reel knockouts, and, most importantly, he’s the kind of person who looks like he could beat you up while also hosting a cooking show. He’s a compelling opponent for both Muhammad and Makhachev, whose fame would only grow by taking on the South African powerhouse.

Makhachev, ever the tactician, mentioned, “Fighting Du Plessis is not just about winning, it’s about making a statement. I want people to say, ‘Hey, did you see how Makhachev made a middleweight look like a lightweight?’” A little trash talk never hurts, especially when you’re a wrestler with the potential to toss someone half your size around like a ragdoll.

5. Muhammad’s Dream of ‘Catchweight Chaos’

Although Muhammad fights at welterweight, he’s always open to crossing over into different weight classes if the right fight comes along. And Du Plessis is the right fight, even if it’s at a catchweight. Muhammad laughingly told reporters, “Yeah, I might have to fight Du Plessis at 175 or whatever weight we can agree on. But honestly, I’m just trying to avoid getting hit in the head too much… That guy throws punches like he’s trying to destroy buildings.”

It’s clear that for Belal, a fight with Du Plessis is as much about testing himself against the best as it is about seeing if he can survive an onslaught of powerful blows.

6. Conclusion – It’s All About the Hype

At the end of the day, both Belal Muhammad and Islam Makhachev want to fight Dricus Du Plessis because, quite frankly, the guy is a spectacle. His wins are entertaining, and his personality makes him an excellent target for both fun and serious challenges. For Muhammad, it’s another opportunity to make his mark in a higher weight class. For Makhachev, it’s about asserting dominance across divisions and cementing his legacy.

Whoever gets to face Du Plessis first, we can be sure of one thing: it’s going to be one heck of a fight. And hey, whether it’s Muhammad trying to out-pace Du Plessis or Makhachev wrestling him into oblivion, we’re here for it. “Catchweight or not, I’ll be ready,” Muhammad said. Well, Dricus, looks like you’ve got a couple of challenges coming your way. Ready or not.