Reinier de Ridder claimed a hard-fought victory against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi, winning by split decision. Following his win, de Ridder confidently issued a strong message to fellow contenders Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, signaling his intentions in the middleweight division.
De Ridder’s triumph improved his undefeated UFC record to 4-0. After the fight, during an interview with UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping for ESPN MMA, the Dutch fighter revealed his plans moving forward. He emphasized needing time to recover before targeting du Plessis and Chimaev in upcoming bouts.
“I want 30 days of lying on the beach, eating barbecue in Florida, and just relaxing. That’s what I want. Kiss my kids. Lay down for a while and then choke Dricus [du Plessis] and Khamzat [Chimaev] out.”
—Reinier de Ridder, UFC Fighter
De Ridder Anticipates Showdown Between Du Plessis and Chimaev
Dricus du Plessis, who currently holds the UFC middleweight title and remains unbeaten, is preparing to defend his championship against another undefeated skilled opponent, Khamzat Chimaev. The highly anticipated title fight will headline UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago, Illinois.
During the same interview, de Ridder was asked to predict the outcome of the du Plessis versus Chimaev clash. He expressed his thoughts, identifying with du Plessis due to their shared Dutch heritage.
“I’m thinking of Dricus [du Plessis]. He has the Dutch genes like me, so I think Dricus, but we’ll see.”
—Reinier de Ridder, UFC Fighter
Impact of De Ridder’s Warning on the Middleweight Division
Reinier de Ridder’s remarks highlight his readiness to challenge for supremacy after his quick rise in the UFC. His confident words signal a shift in the middleweight landscape, as he positions himself as a serious contender behind du Plessis and Chimaev. Fans anticipating the Khamzat Chimaev UFC fight prediction will now also watch de Ridder’s moves closely as he gears up for his next fights.
With top fighters aiming to carve their paths to the title, the middleweight division promises exciting matchups in the months ahead, making de Ridder’s recent victory and his bold warning crucial turning points in this competitive scene.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Currently, Khamzat Chimaev’s net worth is thought to be about $3 million. At 30 years old, he is extremely wealthy and famous in Russia. The MMA star has an impressive record, winning all 14 professional fights, with 12 victories coming before the fight ended naturally.
Q. Why was Khamzat Chimaev cancelled?
A. But on February 11, UFC president Dana White said the fight was called off again because Chimaev still had symptoms from COVID-19.
Q. Why did Khamzat Chimaev cancel?
A. The UFC arranged for Chimaev to face Leon Edwards in his first main event. The fight, featuring Edwards, a leading welterweight competitor, was planned for three different times between December 2020 and March 2021. However, Chimaev’s COVID-19 issues led to the cancellation of each attempt.
Q. Did Khamzat Chimaev ever lose a fight?
A. Khamzat Chimaev has a record of 14 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws.