Dricus Du Plessis Slams Belal Muhammad’s 185 Dream, Hints at UFC Bias

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is no stranger to heated rivalries, both inside and outside the octagon. Fighters often engage in verbal exchanges to generate hype, gain psychological advantages, or simply express their candid opinions.

A recent war of words has emerged between Dricus Du Plessis, the newly crowned UFC middleweight champion, and Belal Muhammad, the current UFC welterweight champion.  Their back-and-forth has sparked conversations among fans and analysts about the potential for a cross-division showdown.

Could this rivalry lead to a blockbuster fight, or is it just another case of fighters exchanging words without actual consequences? Let’s break down the controversy, each fighter’s perspective, and whether a clash between the two is feasible.

The Origins of the Feud

The tension between Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) and Belal Muhammad didn’t arise out of thin air. It all began when Muhammad expressed interest in moving up to the 185-pound middleweight division, claiming that the weight class lacked depth and that he could be competitive there.

Muhammad’s statements didn’t sit well with Du Plessis, who responded with strong criticism, questioning both Muhammad’s fighting abilities and his legitimacy as a contender at middleweight.

Dricus Du Plessis’ Response: “UFC Doesn’t Even Like Belal”

Du Plessis didn’t hold back when discussing Muhammad’s potential move to middleweight, dismissing the idea outright. In an interview, he criticized Muhammad’s skill set and suggested that the UFC itself has little interest in promoting him.

“I like the way Belal Muhammad presents himself when he gets a chance to talk about moving up to 185 (lbs)… But UFC would never let him do that. The UFC doesn’t even like Belal. He hasn’t even defended his belt once. He’s way better at talking on Twitter than he is at fighting in the octagon.”

This bold claim immediately grabbed attention, as it implied that the UFC has little faith in Muhammad as a major draw. While this statement might not be entirely accurate—Muhammad has built a strong record and earned his championship through hard-fought victories—it does reflect the perception that he isn’t a fan-favorite fighter compared to others in the organization.

Size Matters: Is Muhammad Too Small for Middleweight?

One of Du Plessis’ main points was the physical disparity between himself and Muhammad. He suggested that a fight between the two would be unfair due to the size difference, implying that Muhammad would be physically outmatched at middleweight.

“If I had to fight Belal Muhammad, that fight wouldn’t be fair… He’s too small. He needs to find someone to help him.”

This argument is valid in many ways. Muhammad has spent his entire career at welterweight (170 lbs), while Du Plessis competes at middleweight (185 lbs). The difference of 15 pounds might not seem significant on paper, but in reality, middleweights cut down from 200+ pounds to make weight, whereas welterweights usually walk around at 180-190 pounds.

This means that on fight night, Du Plessis could have a 20-30 pound advantage over Muhammad, giving him a substantial edge in power, durability, and strength.

Belal Muhammad’s Counterattack: “You’re Uncoordinated”

Belal Muhammad wasn’t about to let these comments slide. He quickly fired back on social media, dismissing Du Plessis’ criticisms and mocking his fighting style.

“Bro, you fight like you have two left feet. If we ever fought, you wouldn’t even be able to land a shot on me.”

Muhammad’s confidence isn’t unwarranted. He is one of the most technical and defensively sound fighters in the UFC, boasting an impressive ability to avoid damage while grinding out victories through elite wrestling and relentless pressure.

However, his lack of knockout power and low finish rate have led some to question whether he could handle the explosiveness and strength of middleweight fighters like Du Plessis.

Analyzing the Fighting Styles: Who Would Win?

If a fight between Du Plessis and Muhammad were to happen, how would their styles match up?

Dricus Du Plessis (Middleweight Champion, 185 lbs)

• Strengths: Explosive power, aggressive striking, physical durability, high-pressure fighting style
• Weaknesses: Sometimes reckless, absorbs a lot of damage, questionable cardio in later rounds

Belal Muhammad (Welterweight Champion, 170 lbs)

• Strengths: Elite wrestling, technical striking, high fight IQ, excellent cardio
• Weaknesses: Lacks knockout power, fights mostly go to decision, less experienced at higher weight classes

Potential Fight Breakdown

• If the fight stays standing, DuPlessis’ power advantage could be a serious problem for Muhammad. While Muhammad has good striking, he isn’t known for finishing fights with knockouts.
• If the fight goes to the ground, Muhammad’s elite wrestling could be a game-changer. However, Du Plessis has shown strong takedown defense and can fight well off his back.
• Cardio advantage: Muhammad is known for his relentless pace, which could give him an edge in later rounds if he can avoid damage early on.

While Du Plessis would enter as the favorite due to his size and power, Muhammad’s wrestling and technical approach shouldn’t be underestimated.

Will This Fight Actually Happen?

As entertaining as this feud is, a fight between Du Plessis and Muhammad is highly unlikely in the near future.

Here’s why:

1. Title Defense Obligations

• Belal Muhammad has not yet defended his Welterweight title.
• The UFC is unlikely to let him move up to middleweight without proving himself as a dominant welterweight champion first.

2. UFC’s Interest in the Fight

• While cross-division fights are intriguing, the UFC usually prioritizes contenders in each weight class.
• Middleweight already has several potential challengers for Du Plessis, such as Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Khamzat Chimaev.

3. Weight Class Challenges

• Muhammad would need time to properly bulk up to middleweight.
• The UFC doesn’t grant title shots to fighters switching weight classes without proving themselves first (unless they are already megastars, like Conor McGregor or Israel Adesanya).

In short, while the fight is fun to discuss, it’s not a priority for the UFC.

Fan and Expert Reactions

The MMA community is divided on this potential matchup.

Fans Supporting Du Plessis:

• Believe that Muhammad is too small for middleweight
• Argue that Du Plessis’ power and pressure would overwhelm him
• Agree with Du Plessis that Muhammad talks too much on social media

Fans Supporting Muhammad:

• Think that Du Plessis is overrated
• Believe Muhammad’s wrestling would neutralize Du Plessis’ power
• Argue that Muhammad’s fight IQ and cardio could wear down Du Plessis

Expert Analysis:

• Most analysts agree that Du Plessis would have the edge in a potential fight, but they also acknowledge that Muhammad’s skills make him a legitimate threat.

Final Thoughts: Is This Just Trash Talk or a Real Feud?

The feud between Dricus Du Plessis and Belal Muhammad has entertained fans, but at the end of the day, it’s unlikely to lead to a fight anytime soon.

Both fighters have more important priorities in their own divisions, and until Muhammad proves himself at welterweight, a middleweight title shot seems out of reach.

Still, in the unpredictable world of MMA, anything can happen—and if this rivalry continues to heat up, the UFC just might consider making it a reality.