How would Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dricus du Plessis go? Fans debate over teammate's confident claim

Dricus du Plessis vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov is one of MMA's most unlikely hypotheticals. One is a large middleweight, while the other a big lightweight. Yet, that hasn't stopped one of 'The Eagle's' teammates, Gadzhi Rabadanov, from favoring him, sparking a debate on X.

Nurmagomedov has gained considerable mass following his retirement. This has prompted Rabadanov to state that middleweight would actually be an optimal division for Nurmagomedov, and that he would indeed beat du Plessis.

"He's not lightweight anymore. I think maybe middleweight is good. 100% [he could beat du Plessis]. Khabib is different level."

Naturally, such a loaded hypothetical clash caused fans on X to argue furiously over who would emerge victorious. Du Plessis is the reigning UFC middleweight champion and has built a career off of his outrageous physicality and strength.

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov is a former lightweight titleholder who was known for his exceptional grappling and relentless pressure. Unfortunately, the MMA fandom was unable to come to a consensus on who would beat the other, with both sides finding ample support.

One fan confidently picked Nurmagomedov to win.

"He'd dismantle DDP. Common, seriously."

This sentiment was echoed by another fan.

"We've seen Khabib toy with heavyweights.... If DDP fought Khabib he goes to sleep and wakes up with his leg on his shoulder"

Others, though, disagreed, favoring the South African star.

"DDP is just too big. Khabib might be unbeatable at 155 but a 185 champ would be too much."

Du Plessis' size appeared to be a factor in many who argued in his favor.

"DDP was 225 2 weeks out from the Strickland fight. He's gonna be way too big for Khabib to successfully chain wrestle and bully his opponents like at LW"

A collage of fan reactions can be seen below:

Fan reactions to Dricus du Plessis vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov has been retired for years, and has settled into the role of a coach and cornerman. Du Plessis, on the other hand, is looking to solidify his reign as middleweight champion, facing Sean Strickland in his second title defense at UFC 312.

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Dricus du Plessis was linked to another Dagestani champion in the past

Dricus du Plessis was previously belittled by future welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, who believed that reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev could move up to middleweight and dethrone him. He said as much in an MMA Fighting interview ahead of UFC 304.

"Honestly, he could go up to 185 and beat du Plessis right now. I think he's that good, really."

Check out Belal Muhammad predicting Dricus du Plessis vs. Islam Makhachev (30:28):

Muhammad's words sparked a brief feud with du Plessis, which has since died down.