“I’ve seen him go with heavyweights” – Islam Makhachev’s coach makes eye-opening prediction about a potential Dricus du Plessis match-up 

Islam Makhachev scripted history with his recent UFC lightweight title defense at UFC 311 by becoming the champion with most title defenses in the weight class. On multiple occasions, he has expressed his intention of moving up to a division and fighting for a second belt. Now, his coach has made an eye-opening prediction on his performance in a potential showdown against Dricus du Plessis.

Javier Mandez spoke about Makhachev's ability to challenge fighters across weight classes. Weighing in on the prospects of the reigning UFC lightweight champion's potential bid for the middleweight gold against du Plessis he favored the 33-year-old Dagestani fighter.

Speaking to Submission Radio, Mendez said:

"He'll go fantastic. I've seen him go with heavyweights in the gym that are really good and he's whooping on them. So, I mean, I don't like it because, when he's going with heavies, I go 'what you doing with heavyweights, you shouldn't be going with heavyweights."

Mendez continued:

"Was in Dagestan and I said 'Hey' and he goes, 'no coach, it's okay' I go 'no it's not okay, because if those guys land one good shot on you it can change everything."

Check out Javier Mendez speak on Islam Makhachev fighting Dricus du Plessis in a potential fight (11:15):

Belal Muhammad, a friend of the reigning UFC lightweight champion, currently rules the welterweight division. Du Plessis on the other hand is the reigning champion of the UFC's middleweight division. He is scheduled to defend his title against the former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland at UFC 312.

Although prospects of Makhachev going up two weight classes and contending directly for the title are thin since Khamzat Chimaev is probably next in line for the middleweight champion after UFC 312. The MMA fans and experts are offering their take on how the fight would fare if it is booked anyway.

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When Khamzat Chimaev expressed doubts on Islam Makhachev's ability to fight at middleweight

There is a lot of buzz around Islam Makhachev's potential move up to another weight class to claim another belt. He defended his lightweight crown at UFC 311 by defeating the challenger Renato Moicano in a dominating fashion via first-round submission. However, speculations of Makhachev jumping up to the middleweight division and fighting for the second title could have excited many MMA fans. It hasn't impressed one of the top middleweight contenders Khamzat Chimaev.

Talking to Aslanbek Badaev 'Borz' highlighted that Makhachev would struggle in the middleweight division and that Khabib Nurmagomedov was more suited for the division. He also referred to the 33-year-old Dagestani champion's performance against Dustin Poirier where he won by a fifth-round submission to strengthen his take:

"If anyone could move up at 170 or 185 it would be Khabib. As for Islam, I have my doubts because of his last fight. It was tough for him.”

Check out Khamzat Chimaev's take on Islam Makhachev in the middleweight division: