Dricus Du Plessis does not see Islam Makhachev posing any problems if they were to fight. 

Du Plessis is the UFC Middleweight Champion, as he will defend his belt against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. It is a rematch of their UFC 297 clash, which Du Plessis won by a controversial split decision. He defended his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 304 in his last fight, submitting him in the fourth round.

Makhachev has said he wants to move up to win a belt in another division after retaining his UFC Lightweight Title by submitting Renato Moicano at UFC 311 in his last bout. A move up to welterweight is problematic as he would have to face his close friend Belal Muhammad, who holds the welterweight title. A move to middleweight could follow as Islam has said he is big enough. However, Du Plessis felt the difference in size and weight would prove too much, calling it an ‘easy payday.’

“He obviously trains with 185ers, he doesn’t train against me. Believe me, it’s not the same thing. Even on a technical level, I can just stand up. His wrestling and grappling is phenomenal, I’ll just overpower him. That’s what I think. It makes a massive difference. He’s a big lightweight, but I’m a big middleweight. There’s a big difference between a big lightweight and a big middleweight, but if there’s ever the situation where there’s no fight for me, no fight for him that makes sense, I’ll be more than happy to do that. Easy payday,” Du Plessis said