"DDP can just march him down" - Fans react to Islam Makhachev potentially fighting Dricus du Plessis for middleweight title

Islam Makhachev was able to defend his lightweight title for a record fourth time this weekend as he defeated Renato Moicano via first-round submission at UFC 311. He shared that he plans to chase a second belt, even expressing interest in moving up two weight classes to face Dricus du Plessis.

Championship Rounds took to X and posed a question to fans asking how the potential matchup would go, writing:

"Islam Makhachev said last night that he'd be willing to move up and fight Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title if it was offered to him How does this fight go? 🤔 #UFC #MMA"

Check out the tweet from Championship Rounds below:

Fans shared their reaction to the question. @SICKYDOESMMA predicted that du Plessis would have no trouble with the lightweight champion due to his weight advantage:

"DDP like what? Dudes 30 lbs heavier and its not like Islam is invincible at his own class. Hes had a couple of competitive fights. DDP is stronger, more powerful, bigger. Like ddp can just march him down lmao. Hed crush him realistically what are we doing?"

@BSmackemup believes Makhachev has a better chance of capturing the welterweight title:

"DDP is huge. I feel like it’s a bit of a mismatch. Islam would fare better against welterweights first"

@Iceman__3D suggested that a different middleweight will be holding the title soon:

"He doesn’t need to worry about that, because if Khamzat becomes champion those dreams are DEAD! Khamzat would beat Khabib, Islam, Usman… ALL the Russian fighters in the first 3 mins."

@_SchuZ_ feels that Makhachev would not want to face Khamzat Chimaev:

"That would be a crazy jump to make, but I doubt we’ll see it because whatever happens next month, Khamzat gets the winner and I don’t see him losing. Therefore, it would have to be Islam vs Khamzat and I don’t think he’d do that one."

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

Khabib Nurmagomedov shares reaction to Islam Makhachev's latest title defense

Islam Makhachev put forth a masterclass performance at UFC 311 as he defeated Renato Moicano via first-round submission. It marked his fourth title defense, breaking a tie with B.J. Penn, Frankie Edgar, Benson Henderson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov to set a UFC lightweight record.

'The Eagle', who was in his long-time training partner's corner for the record-setting performance, took to Instagram on Sunday to congratulate him, stating:

"@islam_makhachev has once again proven that he is the best in the world at the moment, and I am very happy for him and for his journey in this sport, in the entire history of mixed martial arts, very few fighters have achieved what he has achieved. Keep working my brother, this is not the limit 👊... There is good in everything, we as believers must understand that Allah's command is better than our desire."

Check out Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments to Islam Makhachev below:

Nurmagomedov also shared a message for his cousin Umar Nurmagomedov and teammate Tagir Ulanbekov, who competed on the card. The submission victory over Moicano marked Makhachev's fourth finish in five title bouts.