Islam Makhachev left many scratching their heads with his bold claim on being able to move up to 185 pounds and win a title.
Makhachev, who holds the UFC lightweight title, is regarded by many as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. But many think challenging champion Dricus Du Plessis two weight classes above is just too much to handle.
Rising middleweight Shara Magomedov, though, thinks Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) can get it done and likes his chances against Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC).
“I think that’s right,” Magomedov said at the UFC Fight Night 250 media day on Wednesday when asked about Makhachev’s comments on a 185-pound move. “I think Islam can make 185, easy. I think he’s got the right body for it and good skills for the middleweight.”
Du Plessis, who’s scheduled to defend his title at UFC 312 next month, already cautioned Makhachev on a middleweight move and assured he’ll “overpower” him should the two meet.
Magomedov disagrees and likes Makhachev’s chances against the champion of his division.
“I think he can fight Du Plessis and have a really successful fight against Du Plessis,” Magomedov said. “I think that will only be exciting. I’ve said it before, but I think there’s a lot of tossing up in the middleweight division. There is a lot changing. We’re just starting to make this the most exciting division in the UFC. If he can go up there and become the champ and have the belt, I can eventually get up there and fight the vacant belt when he doesn’t want it anymore.”
Magomedov (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) returns to the cage this Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 250 (ESPN+), which takes place at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He takes on British star Michael Page (22-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC), who’s moving up from 170 pounds to face him.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 250.
