Reinier de Ridder is assured {that a} assertion win over Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver ought to put him ready to compete for a UFC title with hopes to face reigning middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev in early 2026.
Already 3-0 on the yr with wins over Bo Nickal, former champion Robert Whittaker and Kevin Holland, the 35-year-old Dutch fighter believes a fourth victory in the identical calendar yr ought to put him in an ideal place for title rivalry. In fact whereas de Ridder’s sole focus is profitable and combating for gold, Chimaev lately turned his consideration in the direction of a potential superfight towards UFC mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
It appears extremely unlikely that Chimaev will get his want, particularly contemplating he hasn’t even defended his personal title but, however even de Ridder admits that might be an attention-grabbing battle.
“It sounds ridiculous but when we’re speaking kinds make fights then I do give [Chimaev] a shot,” de Ridder instructed MMA Combating. “Don’t you give Chimaev a shot if he fights Pereira? We haven’t actually seen what Alex can do as a result of he’s largely been combating largely strikers. Even [Magomed] Ankalaev is generally a striker. However let me get some work with Khamzat first.”
The evaluation on Pereira’s run as champion isn’t off base, however there’s no telling for sure if wrestling actually is his most obvious weak spot. There’s little doubt that’s Chimaev’s greatest weapon however for now it looks as if all that discuss received’t quantity to a lot.
Something is feasible however de Ridder actually believes Chimaev’s subsequent battle is going on at middleweight and he expects to solidify himself because the opponent with an emphatic win within the UFC Vancouver fundamental occasion.
The largest impediment for de Ridder isn’t Pereira however extra possible Nassourdine Imavov, who’s using a five-fight win streak together with victories over former champion Israel Adesanya, Jared Cannonier and most lately Caio Borralho.
His resume is undoubtedly spectacular however that solely fuels de Ridder to look that significantly better on this upcoming battle, particularly after watching Imavov beat Borralho, however he failed to complete or blow anyone away together with his efficiency that evening.
“It’s sort of the identical with what occurred within the Whittaker battle for me,” de Ridder defined. “I acquired the win however I might have accomplished higher there as effectively. I wished to complete him. I wished to make a bit extra of an announcement. Type of the identical factor occurred for him nevertheless it occurred towards Caio and Caio is simply not a high 10 man in the mean time. He’s not there but. Possibly he’ll if he develops a bit and he has a little bit of a reputation due to the Combating Nerds and no matter. However talent for talent and taking a look at his energy of schedule, he’s simply not there but.
“A man like that, it might have been good for Imavov if he would have been in a position to put him away. I believe Caio and Brendan are comparable in lots of regards. So it’s very a lot as much as me, if I can end him, if I can look good and I can do it early, I believe it’s not a tough selection who’s subsequent for the title.”
Timing additionally in all probability performs an element within the title shot alternative with Chimaev profitable the belt in August however more than likely not combating once more till someday in early 2026.
That’s one of many the explanation why de Ridder opted to take the UFC Vancouver fundamental occasion as a result of including one other win after which staying prepared for Chimaev appears like the right scenario for him.
“As a result of February goes to be Ramadan, proper, so more than likely Khamzat want to battle someplace January or early February,” de Ridder stated. “So I assumed it might be sensible to battle every now and then take a little bit of a break and begin getting ready for Khamzat after this battle.
“That will be so cool. January or February can be good for me after which I really feel like I get extra day off than I’ve had in these couple of fights earlier than. That will be the dream state of affairs.”
First issues first, de Ridder must win on Saturday, however with a number of model factors and getting the UFC followers on his aspect, he believes he’ll be the clear reduce option to face Chimaev subsequent.
“I simply want lots of people on my aspect I assume,” de Ridder stated. “I must do good subsequent weekend after which I’m subsequent.”
