“I don’t think he even watch wrestling match”- Islam Makhachev mocks Dricus du Plessis after Khamzat Chimaev exposed his wrestling gaps
Islam Makhachev recently reacted to Khamzat Chimaev’s dominating performance against Dricus du Plessis while discussing the level of wrestling in title fights. Chimaev controlled the middleweight bout from the opening takedown and never let du Plessis recover.
His pressure produced 12 takedowns and long stretches in the crucifix where he trapped both arms and chipped away while shutting down every escape. Du Plessis looked lost beneath the top control and could not create a significant moment that shifted the momentum.
The performance became a talking point as Makhachev prepares for his fight against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322. The Dagestani fighter was reacting to the online narrative that Craig Jones, Della Maddalena’s grappling coach, can help the Australian nullify the grappling differential between the two fighters.
Makhachev dismissed the idea that du Plessis fell short due to a lack of preparation and argued that no amount of guest coaches or short-term camps can rebuild fundamental skills. In an interview with Daniel Cormier, Makhachev said:
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
“It’s not working like this. When you bring someone for one camp or for two camps… I just give you a good example. I tell that yesterday… What about Khamzat fighting with DDP? [He] bring many coaches, many, many partners, but it didn’t help. It’s not working like this… I don’t think he even watch the wrestling match in the TV, you know?”
Check out Islam Makhachev’s comments below (7:45):
Islam Makhachev dismisses talks of historic clash against Khamzat Chimaev
Islam Makhachev made it clear this week that a move to middleweight is not on his radar. With that, he ended speculation about a potential superfight with Khamzat Chimaev.
The former UFC lightweight champion is focused on his welterweight climb as he headlines UFC 322 in a bid to claim a second title against Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev has embraced the challenge of competing at 170 pounds but sees no realistic path to competing in a third weight class.
He believes the middleweight limit would push his frame beyond a comfortable range. Speaking in an episode of the WEIGHING IN podcast, Makhachev said:
“[At] 185 [pounds], I’m gonna be fat, you know? It’s gonna be hard, you know? It’s not gonna be my weight. Honestly, I’m gonna be too big [at middleweight].”
Why did you not like this content?
Cancel
Submit
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Quick Links
More from Sportskeeda
Edited by Abhishek Nambiar
