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Islam Makhachev Confident He Could Move to 185 Pounds, Defeat Dricus Du Plessis

Islam Makhachev doesn’t think an eventual move to 185 pounds is unrealistic.

The reigning UFC lightweight champ hasn’t been shy about his desire to eventually become a two-division champion. However, a friendship with current 170-pound king Belal Muhammad complicates matters. If Muhammad holds on to the welterweight belt, Makhachev sees another path to two-division gold.

“My height allows [a move to middleweight],” Makhachev recently told Ushatayka. “I think my physical data allows it, too. I just need to work with my specialists, gain muscle mass, add a little weight. I think I can try.