Can Islam Makhachev beat Dricus Du Plessis?

In the ever-evolving landscape of MMA, matchups often bring unexpected outcomes and upsets. One such hypothetical scenario that could intrigue fans and pundits alike is a bout between Islam Makhachev and Dricus Du Plessis. While both fighters have shown their skills and mettle in the cage, based on a historical data chain of victories, it could be argued that Makhachev has the tools to secure a victory over Du Plessis.

Makhachev's path to a potential victory over Du Plessis can be traced back to his impressive win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280. In this fight, Makhachev displayed his grappling prowess by securing a submission victory via an arm-triangle choke in the second round. This victory showcased Makhachev's ability to control and submit a dangerous opponent like Oliveira, who is known for his submission skills.

Oliveira, in turn, had defeated Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night 170 with a quick submission victory in the third round. This win highlighted Oliveira's ability to capitalize on his opponent's mistakes and finish fights swiftly. Lee, a tough and resilient fighter, had previously secured a unanimous decision victory over Michel Prazeres at UFC Fight Night 60. Lee's ability to outpoint Prazeres over three rounds demonstrated his well-rounded skill set and strategic approach to winning fights.

Prazeres, known for his grappling acumen, had submitted Bartosz Fabinski at UFC Fight Night 140 in the first round. This victory showcased Prazeres' ability to finish fights quickly and decisively on the ground. Fabinski, a tough and durable fighter, had previously defeated Garreth McLellan at UFC Fight Night 64 via a unanimous decision. Fabinski's victory over McLellan demonstrated his ability to control the pace of the fight and outscore his opponent over three rounds.

McLellan, a gritty and determined fighter, had secured a submission victory over Dricus Du Plessis at EFC 33 with a guillotine choke in the third round. This loss for Du Plessis showed his vulnerability in grappling exchanges and his susceptibility to submissions. While Du Plessis is a talented fighter with a strong striking game, his defeat at the hands of McLellan raised questions about his ability to handle high-level grapplers like Makhachev.

Based on this chain of victories and defeats, it can be argued that Makhachev has the skills and experience to exploit Du Plessis' weaknesses and secure a victory. Makhachev's grappling acumen, as demonstrated in his win over Oliveira, could pose significant problems for Du Plessis on the ground. Additionally, Makhachev's ability to control the pace of the fight and impose his will on his opponents could stifle Du Plessis' dynamic striking game.

While Du Plessis is a talented fighter with the potential to bounce back from setbacks, a matchup with Makhachev could prove to be a challenging test for him. Makhachev's well-rounded skill set and proven ability to finish fights against top competition make him a formidable opponent for any fighter in the lightweight division, including Du Plessis.

In the world of MMA, anything can happen inside the cage, and upsets are always a possibility. If a matchup between Islam Makhachev and Dricus Du Plessis were to materialize based on this historical data chain, Makhachev would enter the fight as a formidable opponent with the skills and experience to secure a victory. While Du Plessis is a talented fighter with a bright future ahead of him, Makhachev's proven track record and skill set could give him the edge in this hypothetical showdown.