Dricus Du Plessis Says Facing Fellow UFC Champion Would Be 'Easy Payday'

Undisputed UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has heard the talk suggesting that Islam Makhachev could move up as high as middleweight in a bid to capture a second world title and said he would turn back that challenge with ease. Du Plessis had a sit-down interview with Australian PPV platform Main Event, where he shared his thoughts on a range of topics, including a potential fight with the UFC's pound-for-pound number one Makhachev. More news: UFC 311: Islam Makhachev Wants to Move Up to Face Dricus Du Plessis Following Big Win "Yeah, it's hard to really think and take it seriously right now," he said. "I've got a big fight coming up, so I didn't make anything of it. "If we get to a situation where we are not at right now — he's an incredible fighter, make no mistake. He was so incredibly good against Moicano. He proved once again why he is the pound-for-pound best in the world." But while Du Plessis wouldn't downplay Makhachev's obvious abilities inside the Octagon, the size difference would be a significant one, with Du Plessis likely to be around 20 pounds heavier than Makhachev on fight night if they ever did fight. "That's what I'm getting at," he continued. "I don't care how good you are — he obviously trains with 185ers in his gym, so he knows. (But) he doesn't train against me. Believe me, it's not the same thing. "Even on a technical level, (with) the standup (and) his wrestling and grappling is phenomenal. I'd just overpower him, that's what I think." Du Plessis has proved to be an unsolvable puzzle for every UFC middleweight he's faced so far. And even though some have criticized his gas tank and fighting technique, he has proved the doubters wrong every time as he's showcased the most crucial quality needed by a champion – the ability to find a way to win, regardless of the challenge. More news: Islam Makhachev Can Be Three-Weight UFC Champion, Says Coach Du Plessis has a big challenge ahead of him before any serious consideration can be given to a bout with Makhachev, however. The South African takes on Sean Strickland in a rematch of the fight that saw Du Plessis capture the title. Du Plessis won the first fight via split decision after a super-close fight at UFC 297 in January 2024, then went on to defend the title with a victory over former two-time champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Now he faces Strickland again at UFC 312, with the bout set to take place in Sydney, Australia, on February 8. Makhachev would certainly offer a different type of challenge for Du Plessis if the pair ever did fight, and while "Stillknocks" knows the Russian has the frame to bulk up and arrive on fight night at a competitive weight, he's confident that his own natural size and athleticism would prove too much, even for the UFC's pound-for-pound number-one fighter. "He's a big lightweight, but I'm a big middleweight. There's a big difference between a big lightweight and a big middleweight. "But if there's ever the situation where there's no fight for me (and) no fight for him that makes sense, I'll be more than happy to do that. Easy payday." Michael 'Venom' Page Says He Still Has Unfinished Business at Welterweight For more UFC, head to Newsweek Sports.