Reinier De Ridder is targetting Khamzat Chimaev. Reinier de Ridder’s latest knockout win over Bo Nickal has rapidly shifted the dialog within the UFC middleweight division, with the Dutch contender now eyeing a high-profile conflict towards top-ranked Khamzat Chimaev.
Reinier De Ridder vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Reinier de Ridder not too long ago mentioned how he envisions a possible struggle towards Khamzat Chimaev and mirrored on his newest victory over Bo Nickal throughout an interview with Submission Radio.
The Dutch-born Reinier De Ridder expressed confidence in his possibilities towards Chimaev, noting, “I believe I’ve a superb shot in a struggle with Khamzat. What makes him particular is the aggression he comes out with. Lots of people get overwhelmed by how explosive he’s immediately.” He acknowledged Chimaev’s depth however steered that he wouldn’t be simply rattled by it.
De Ridder has rapidly made an impression since becoming a member of the promotion, notching three consecutive finishes over Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and Bo Nickal. The Dutch fighter, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, now holds a 20-2 skilled file and is in search of higher-ranked opposition as he climbs the UFC’s 185-pound ladder.
Khamzat Chimaev, in the meantime, is undefeated at 14-0 and sits at quantity two within the UFC middleweight rankings. Khamzat Chimaev has established himself as a high contender with latest wins over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, and is extensively anticipated to problem for the title towards Dricus du Plessis later this yr.
Reinier De Ridder Defeats Bo Nickal
Reinier De Ridder additionally spoke about his expertise combating in the USA, defeating Bo Nickal, highlighting the environment offered by the American crowd. “The American crowd is so cool, man. They actually come for a celebration. They had been booing me a bit of bit once I walked out, however then after, they had been fairly proud of me. I began shouting out some Iowa stuff they usually responded very properly,” he mentioned.
Reflecting on his latest TKO win over Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines, de Ridder defined his mindset going into the struggle. “I wasn’t fearful of his wrestling. I wasn’t fearful of something he brings. I made a alternative to actually deal with the stuff I dropped at the struggle on this one, and I believe that’s vital for anyone to know.” De Ridder’s strategy paid off, as he completed Nickal within the second spherical with a knee to the physique, handing the American collegiate wrestling standout his first skilled loss.
As de Ridder continues to rise within the division, a matchup with a high contender like Chimaev would characterize a major step towards title competition, pitting two of the division’s most expert grapplers towards one another on the high of the UFC middleweight class.
