Islam Makhachev, the dominant UFC lightweight contender, has set his sights on more than just the lightweight title. In a bold statement that has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, Makhachev recently called out Dricus Du Plessis, the surging middleweight contender, revealing his ambitious goal of becoming a “double champ” in the UFC.
Makhachev, who is currently on a dominant win streak in the lightweight division, has made it clear that he isn’t content with simply holding one belt. His vision is to join the exclusive ranks of fighters who have held two titles simultaneously, a feat only accomplished by a select few in UFC history, including Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier.
The Callout: A Challenge to Du Plessis
During a recent interview, Makhachev wasted no time in making his intentions known. He called out Du Plessis, who has been on a tear in the middleweight division and is quickly rising up the ranks.
“I respect Dricus Du Plessis, but I have my eyes on him,” Makhachev said confidently. “I want to be a double champ. I want to challenge myself and show that I am the best fighter in the world. After I take the lightweight title, the middleweight title is the next step. I know Du Plessis is on a great run, but he’s in my way.”
Du Plessis, who has gained attention for his explosive performances and undefeated streak in the UFC, has yet to respond to Makhachev’s callout, but the challenge is certainly one that adds intrigue to the middleweight and lightweight divisions. Both fighters are at the peak of their careers, and a matchup between them would be a spectacle for fans of mixed martial arts.
Makhachev’s Ambitious Plan: Double Champ Dream
For Makhachev, the path to becoming a double champ starts with his current focus: capturing the UFC lightweight title. The 155-pound division remains one of the most stacked in the organization, with contenders like Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler all gunning for the championship. However, Makhachev’s rise has been undeniable, with his blend of world-class grappling, striking, and fight IQ making him a dangerous challenge for any opponent.
“I’ve already proved myself in the lightweight division, and the title is almost within reach,” Makhachev said. “But being a champion in one weight class isn’t enough for me. I want to push myself to the limit. That’s why I’m targeting Du Plessis and the middleweight division. The challenge excites me.”
While Makhachev’s rise to lightweight glory is well underway, his aspirations to step up and claim gold at 185 pounds is an ambitious move that would elevate his legacy in the sport. To do so, Makhachev would need to navigate a highly competitive middleweight division that features some of the toughest and most skilled fighters in the UFC, including champions like Israel Adesanya and contenders like Robert Whittaker, Jared Cannonier, and Du Plessis himself.
The Road to Double Champ Status
Becoming a two-division champion is no easy feat, and Makhachev is fully aware of the challenges ahead. Fighters who have attempted the double-champ status often face massive hurdles, including the need to balance training for two different weight classes and dealing with the physical toll of competing at the highest level in two divisions.
But for Makhachev, the goal is clear: to prove himself as the most well-rounded and dominant fighter in the sport.
“I’ve been working with Khabib [Nurmagomedov], and we’ve discussed this dream for a long time,” Makhachev revealed. “Khabib was a dominant force in the lightweight division, but I want to push beyond that. Being the best in one division is great, but to be truly great in this sport, you have to be the best in multiple divisions.”
Makhachev’s training camp has been as rigorous as ever, with the 31-year-old continuing to sharpen his already elite grappling and striking skills. He has been vocal about his desire to take on the best fighters in both the lightweight and middleweight divisions, believing that his versatile skill set gives him the edge over most opponents.
Du Plessis: The Target at Middleweight
Du Plessis, a 185-pound powerhouse, is one of the hottest names in the UFC right now. The South African fighter has been racking up impressive finishes and showing his well-rounded ability inside the Octagon, and his recent victories have placed him at the top of the middleweight contender list. With a combination of power and precision, Du Plessis has been making waves, and a showdown with Makhachev would be a fascinating clash of styles.
While Du Plessis has yet to respond to Makhachev’s challenge, his camp must be taking notice of the ambitious callout. A fight between the two would present a clash between Makhachev’s elite grappling and Du Plessis’ aggressive striking and power. It’s a matchup that would capture the attention of fight fans around the world, with the potential to shake up both the lightweight and middleweight divisions.
The UFC’s Double-Champ Legacy
Achieving “double champ” status would place Makhachev among the all-time greats in UFC history. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes have all held two UFC belts simultaneously, and Makhachev is aiming to join that elite group. The challenge ahead of him is immense, but with his talent and determination, it’s clear that he believes he can accomplish this rare and historic feat.
“I’m not just fighting for the titles,” Makhachev concluded. “I’m fighting for my legacy. Being the best lightweight in the world is not enough. I want to prove that I am the best fighter, period. To do that, I need to conquer two divisions.”
As UFC fans eagerly await Makhachev’s next move, the callout to Du Plessis has added a new layer of excitement to the lightweight and middleweight divisions. If Makhachev can achieve his dream of becoming a double champ, he will cement his place as one of the most dominant and versatile fighters in UFC history. For now, the UFC world is watching closely, waiting to see if this ambitious challenge will become a reality.
