Islam Makhachev has weighed in on the upcoming middleweight bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman, predicting Du Plessis will come out on top. Makhachev noted that Usman's strategy of moving up in weight makes sense — a win over Du Plessis would position Usman as the next title contender given his prior win over Strickland. However, Makhachev believes Usman's knee problems will prevent him from sustained wrestling, giving Du Plessis the edge.
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has shared his prediction for the upcoming middleweight clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman, backing the South African champion to get the victory.
Du Plessis, ranked second in the middleweight division and seventh in the pound-for-pound rankings, carries a 23-3-0 record into the bout. The 32-year-old South African fights out of a switch stance and brings a well-rounded offensive game, averaging 5.18 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while also threatening with 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, he has the physical tools to operate at range or push into scrambles.
Usman, nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare," moves up from welterweight to middleweight for this contest, carrying a 21-4-0 record at 39 years old. The American, currently ranked eighth at welterweight, is a former champion known for his wrestling pressure, averaging 2.82 takedowns per 15 minutes over his career with 52 percent striking accuracy. Makhachev acknowledged the logic in Usman's move to 185 pounds, noting that a win over Du Plessis would put Usman in a strong position as a title contender given his prior victory over Sean Strickland.
However, Makhachev pointed to Usman's knee problems as a significant limiting factor. The reigning welterweight champion suggested those issues would prevent Usman from sustaining the wrestling-heavy output that has defined his career, ultimately giving Du Plessis the advantage.
Why it matters
- Du Plessis holds the middleweight title and a win reinforces his status as the division's top fighter
- Usman's path to a title shot runs directly through this bout, making the stakes high for a veteran chasing another championship run
- Makhachev's concern about Usman's knee durability puts the wrestling dimension of this matchup under scrutiny, given both men are capable grapplers
