Islam Makhachev Compared to UFC Middleweights

Makhachev vs. Middleweights: Can He Make History?

👑 🔎 Islam Makhachev has made it clear—he’s open to fighting Dricus Du Plessis for the 185-pound title. If he actually steps up and takes that fight, he won’t just be moving up in weight; he’ll be stepping into uncharted territory.

No one in UFC history has ever jumped two weight classes to challenge a prime champion at the highest level. If Islam pulls this off, he’s not just great—he’s one of the greatest to ever do it.

Now, before you start evacuating, let’s talk size. Because if this fight happens, Islam’s stones will expand to cover the entire Russian landmass. That’s the kind of move we’re talking about here.

Is Islam Big Enough for Middleweight?

• Height: 5’10”
• Reach: 70 inches
• Fight Night Weight: ~178 lbs

He’s not even the biggest lightweight, but how does he stack up against the monsters at 185lb?

• Dricus Du Plessis – 6’1”, 76” reach, fight night weight: 205-207 lbs
• Sean Strickland – 6’1”, 76” reach, walks around at 230 lbs and has fought at LHW
• Khamzat Chimaev – 6’2”, 75” reach, fight night weight: 200-203 lbs
• Israel Adesanya – 6’4”, 80” reach, fight night weight: 198-200 lbs
• Robert Whittaker – 6’0”, 74” reach, fight night weight: 200-203 lbs
• Nassourdine Imavov – 6’3”, 75” reach, fight night weight: 200-203 lbs
  Paulo Costa – 6’1”, 72” reach, walks around at 240 lbs, fight night weight: 215 lbs
• Jared Cannonier – 5’11”, 77” reach, the smallest middleweight, fight night weight: 200 lbs

Weight & Strength Differences

Even if Islam bulks up, he’d still be giving up 20-30 lbs on fight night to the top contenders. Costa is a literal tank at 215 lbs when he steps in the cage, and Strickland has fought at 205 lbs against Imavov. The smallest guy in the division, Cannonier, is still 200 lbs of solid muscle.

On the other hand, Islam has something these guys don’t—his fight IQ and hunger for the competition.

Why Moving Up Could Be the Best Thing for Islam

🔸 No More Weight Cuts – Islam’s biggest weakness at lightweight is the brutal cut down to 155 lbs. That drains cardio, power, and endurance. Without the cut, his gas tank would be even better, allowing him to push the pace harder.

🔸 More Power – Every fighter who moves up gains extra pop in their punches. But Islam will also get more power for his takedowns and submissions.

🔸 He’s Already Trained with the Best – Islam has wrestled with Daniel Cormier and Luke Rockhold, both former champions in heavier divisions. If he can handle those guys in training, he won’t be lost against middleweights.

Du Plessis vs. Makhachev 

Both Makhachev and Du Plessis have made comments about the potential move up for the lightweight king, with two different opinions based on the scenario and what the outcome would be. Makhachev stated in an interview with Sport 24, “I am not saying that 100% I will finish Du Plessis, but I think I have the keys to victory.”  

Du Plessis does not agree with Makhachev’s idea about coming to middleweight to challenge for the belt, speaking on Fox News Australia about the potential move for Makhachev and how he could be in over his head, “I will overpower [Islam] in any situation. I know he walks around heavy, but I walk around heavy. He’s a big lightweight. I’m a big middleweight. There is a big difference there.”

Islam Makhachev is Playing It Smart

This isn’t just about a super fight—it’s about doing what no one has ever done before. Jumping two divisions to challenge a champion in his prime is a legacy move. No tune-up fights, no slow transition—straight to the top.

Islam has already proven he’s not afraid to take risks. He has one loss on his record and never cared about protecting an undefeated streak. He’s about legacy, not numbers.

If the UFC makes Makhachev vs. Du Plessis, buckle up. Because if Islam wins, he’s locked in as one of the top 3 greatest fighters of all time.

And if you live in Russia, get ready for evacuation—because his massive stones are about to reshape the entire landscape.

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