Reinier de Ridder can have his eyes on this month’s extremely anticipated middleweight title conflict between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Following his spectacular split-decision victory over Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi, de Ridder skyrocketed himself up the 185-pound rankings, touchdown within the No. 5 spot and doubtlessly setting himself up for a shot on the division’s high prize.
However earlier than he can money in on a golden alternative, he’ll have to take a seat again and wait to see how issues play out on August 16 when du Plessis, the reigning middleweight world champion, places his belt on the road towards the undefeated Chechen monster at UFC 319.
‘RDR’ has already expressed his willingness to step in and battle du Plessis ought to Chimaev withdraw, as he’s been identified to do. But when the battle goes off with out a hitch, the Dutchman is hoping that ‘DDP’ will overcome the percentages and retain his title.
“I believe if Khamzat wins this one, particularly if he wins decisively, he’ll be an enormous identify, and that may include him taking a number of time without work after,” de Ridder instructed MMA Combating. “So it may be higher if Dricus wins, after which we are able to battle in 4–6 months. That will be finest… So hopefully, it could be good if Dricus wins and we are able to line it up.”
Who loses their ‘O’ contained in the Octagon at UFC 319?
Will probably be du Plessis’ third middleweight title protection, the primary two coming towards Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland.
DDP’ enters the battle with an ideal 9-0 report contained in the Octagon, whereas Chimaev is a spotless 14-0 in his blended martial arts profession, eight of these wins coming beneath the UFC banner. ‘Borz’ burst onto the scene in 2020, successful three fights in two months, however a nasty case of COVID-19 halted his momentum.
Chimaev has continued to win large fights, however his appearances have been few and much between. 2022 was the final time he fought greater than as soon as in a calendar 12 months.
