Dricus Du Plessis issues brutal response after Belal Muhammad commenting he ‘sucks’ and the Middleweight is the easiest
The UFC middleweight division has long been home to legendary fighters and thrilling matchups. From Anderson Silva’s reign of dominance to Israel Adesanya’s spectacular title runs, the 185-pound weight class has provided unforgettable moments in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. However, recent debates have questioned the division’s competitiveness, with some critics—most notably UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad—calling it the “easiest weight class” in the UFC.
At the center of this discussion is Dricus du Plessis, the current UFC middleweight champion, who recently defended his title in a dominant performance against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. But despite his success, du Plessis finds himself in the crossfire of criticism from fellow fighters.
UFC 312: Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2—A Masterclass in Domination
Date: April 13, 2024
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
Result: Dricus du Plessis defeats Sean Strickland via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
The highly anticipated rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland had enormous expectations following their first encounter—a “Fight of the Year” candidate in 2024. Their initial battle was a brutal, back-and-forth war that showcased both fighters’ durability, skill, and heart. However, the rematch at UFC 312 told a very different story.
From the opening bell, du Plessis took control, dictating the pace of the fight and frustrating Strickland at every turn. He used a combination of sharp striking, relentless pressure, and superior grappling to neutralize his opponent. Strickland, known for his volume striking and defensive footwork, struggled to find his rhythm.
How Du Plessis Dominated the Fight
- Superior Striking – Du Plessis showcased improved striking accuracy, landing significant shots that kept Strickland on the defensive.
- Tactical Pressure – By constantly moving forward, du Plessis forced Strickland to fight off his back foot, limiting his offensive output.
- Grappling and Control – The champion mixed in well-timed takedowns and clinch control, further wearing down Strickland.
By the final bell, there was no doubt about the result—du Plessis had delivered a near-flawless performance. The judges’ scorecards reflected his dominance, awarding him a unanimous decision victory.
Despite securing another impressive win, du Plessis’s reign was soon met with harsh criticism from Belal Muhammad, igniting a heated debate about the state of the UFC middleweight division.
Belal Muhammad’s Critique: The “Weakest Division” in the UFC?
Following UFC 312, Belal Muhammad, the current UFC welterweight champion, didn’t hold back his thoughts on du Plessis and the middleweight division as a whole.
During a guest appearance on Barstool Sports’ MMA podcast, Muhammad blasted the 185-pound weight class, calling it the “easiest weight class in the UFC.” He went even further, saying:
“Du Plessis and the rest of the middleweights are nowhere near as competitive as other divisions. The titleholder sucks. It’s not even close.”
Muhammad’s comments immediately sparked controversy among UFC fans, fighters, and analysts. While some agreed that the middleweight division has lacked depth in recent years, others defended du Plessis and his accomplishments.
What Did Muhammad Mean by “Easiest Division”?
Belal Muhammad’s argument likely stems from the perception that the middleweight division lacks dominant, well-rounded fighters compared to other weight classes like lightweight and welterweight. He pointed out that aside from Khamzat Chimaev, most top middleweights haven’t shown consistent dominance over multiple elite opponents.
His comments reignited the discussion:
- Is middleweight truly the weakest UFC division?
- Is du Plessis an unworthy champion, or is he being unfairly discredited?
With UFC fans split on the issue, du Plessis didn’t hesitate to fire back.
Dricus du Plessis Responds: A Champion’s Retort
When asked about Belal Muhammad’s comments, du Plessis did not hold back. In his usual confident manner, he responded on social media with a simple yet effective clapback:
“You suck too… 🍆”
The message—laced with humor and defiance—immediately went viral, with fans praising du Plessis for his witty comeback. His response reflected his unwavering confidence and refusal to be disrespected by fellow fighters.
Is the UFC Middleweight Division Truly Weak?
Belal Muhammad’s criticism of middleweight isn’t new. For years, critics have pointed out that 185-pound fighters often lack the technical depth of lightweight or welterweight contenders.
However, is this argument justified? Let’s break it down:
1. The History of Middleweight Champions
The middleweight division has produced some of the greatest champions in UFC history, including:
- Anderson Silva – Considered the greatest striker in MMA history, held the belt for nearly seven years (2006-2013).
- Chris Weidman – Ended Silva’s reign and defended the title against top contenders.
- Robert Whittaker – One of the most well-rounded middleweights ever.
- Israel Adesanya – A dominant force, known for his striking and title defenses.
These fighters set an incredibly high standard, making it difficult for newer champions like du Plessis to receive immediate respect.
2. The Current Middleweight Landscape
While the division has seen inconsistencies, it still features dangerous and skilled fighters:
- Dricus du Plessis – A well-rounded champion who continues to prove doubters wrong.
- Khamzat Chimaev – An undefeated wrecking machine, expected to challenge for the title soon.
- Jared Cannonier – A power puncher with knockout ability.
- Marvin Vettori – A durable, grinding fighter with elite grappling.
- Sean Strickland – A tricky, volume-based striker who held the title.
While the division may not be as stacked as lightweight, it remains far from weak.
Should Belal Muhammad Move to Middleweight?
Given Muhammad’s strong words, many fans suggested he should move up in weight and challenge du Plessis. However, this comes with challenges:
🔹 Size Disadvantage – Muhammad fights at 170 lbs, meaning he would be significantly smaller than natural middleweights.
🔹 Strength Difference – Middleweights hit harder and have more durability.
🔹 Lack of Experience at 185 – Moving up in weight is difficult, especially without gradual adjustments.
Despite these challenges, a Muhammad vs. du Plessis fight would generate serious interest. Could we see a champion vs. champion superfight in the future?
Final Thoughts: Is Dricus du Plessis Being Underrated?
Dricus du Plessis has been underestimated throughout his UFC career. Every time critics doubt him, he proves them wrong with dominant performances.
- He defeated Robert Whittaker when many doubted him.
- He outclassed Sean Strickland in their rematch.
- He remains the undisputed middleweight champion.
Despite Belal Muhammad’s comments, du Plessis continues to rise, showing that the middleweight division is far from weak.
Will Belal Muhammad back up his words and move up to challenge du Plessis? Or will the middleweight king continue to silence his critics?
Only time will tell.
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