Islam Makhachev has always wanted to win a second title and achieve the rare champ-champ status. After his last title defense, Makhachev talked about moving up and challenging the welterweight champion. However, with Belal Muhammad becoming the new champion, Makhachev might have shifted his focus towards Dricus Du Plessis.
Earlier, Belal Muhammad mentioned that Islam Makhachev should skip the welterweight division and aim for the midweight title shot. Recently, Makhachev’s coach, Javier Mendez, said something similar and mentioned Makhachev’s potentially gaining size for a middleweight debut. However, all this did not land right with champion Du Plessis, who dismissed the plans with a laugh.
Everybody can dream right… dream big, but he’s dreaming REAL big. I’m VERY big.
Dricus Du Plessis via Kevin Iole’s YouTube channel
Makhachev’s original plan was to beat Leon Edwards and become the double champion. However, with Muhammad taking the welterweight crown, things have become complicated. ‘Remember The Name’ and Makhachev share a brotherly bond and will never fight each other. As such, only the middleweight division remains if the Dagestani wants to compete for double division glory soon.
As Dricus Du Plessis mentioned, he will have a significant weight and size advantage over Makhachev. Although Makhachev has joked about utilizing Daniel Cormier’s diet to gain weight, a move to middleweight appears unlikely. However, that is not impossible, particularly with a team and coach like Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Islam Makhachev speaks about potential early retirement
Islam Makhachev successfully carried the Dagestani domination after Khabib Nurmagomedov left the UFC. Not only did Makhachev become the lightweight champion, but he is also the current pound-for-pound number-one fighter. However, this isn’t enough, and a double champion status is something the Dagestani still aspires to achieve.
Islam Makhachev (via X)
Irrespective of all that success, Islam Makhachev shares a great bond with his mother. Makhachev’s mother doesn’t watch his son’s fights and always wants him to retire like Khabib Nurmagomedov did in 2020. In a recent interview, the champion shed light on the matter.
My mother, everyday she asks me when you retire. She never watch the fight, when I come home..she was upset.
Islam Makhachev via UFC Abu Dhabi presser
Makhachev is currently 32 years old and has participated in 27 professional MMA bouts. Even though the Dagestani fighter is currently in his prime, it won’t be surprising to see him abruptly retire. Team Khabib has already planned to put Usman Nurmagomedov as the successor to Makhachev once he retires.
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