Khamzat Chimaev’s fighting style is considered to be more conventional compared to the UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, which leads some fighters to view him as an easier opponent to train for. Chimaev is set to compete for the UFC title at a high-profile pay-per-view event next month in Chicago, aiming to protect his undefeated record in the Octagon by becoming the first fighter to defeat Du Plessis in the promotion.

Several prominent fighters, including Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Gilbert Burns, have been unable to halt Chimaev’s rapid ascent toward the top. After Chimaev’s dominant victory over Whittaker at UFC 308 last year, many fans and experts expect him to claim the title at UFC 319.

One of the contenders eyeing a shot at the winner of the August 16 main event believes that if Chimaev secures the championship, he would present an easier challenge than if Du Plessis retains the belt.

De Ridder discusses differences in preparation for Chimaev and Du Plessis

Reinier de Ridder rose to No. 5 in the middleweight rankings following his UFC Abu Dhabi win over Whittaker and has publicly expressed his desire to earn the championship belt next. During a recent conversation with ESPN MMA, de Ridder made a notable statement about the contrasting difficulties of preparing for Chimaev versus Du Plessis.

Khamzat would be an easier fight to prepare for,

de Ridder said.

He’s more of a typical style. I can bring a couple of Dagestanis and Chechens who wrestle pretty similar to Khamzat. It’s not as weird as Dricus is.

It would be harder to prepare for Dricus, but if he wins, he might be the bigger name,

he added.

Robert Valentin supports de Ridder’s view and forecasts grappling advantage

Despite some disagreement among fans on social media, Reinier de Ridder’s assessment has gained strong support from a former teammate and UFC fighter, Robert Valentin. Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Valentin commended de Ridder’s abilities and suggested that if the two ever faced each other, de Ridder could out-grapple Chimaev inside the Octagon.

His ground skills are unmatched in the UFC and I’ll make this call right now,

Valentin stated.

I think even against Khamzat Chimaev, he would win the grappling exchanges.

Maybe not the majority of the wrestling exchanges, but the grappling exchanges.

Implications for the middleweight division and future matchups

The insights from reinier de Ridder and Robert Valentin highlight the tactical considerations fighters weigh when preparing for elite opponents like Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis. Given Chimaev’s more traditional wrestling style, some contenders see a clearer path to victory should he become champion. On the other hand, Du Plessis’s unorthodox techniques present more of a strategic challenge but could carry greater recognition if he maintains the title.

The outcome of the upcoming UFC 319 pay-per-view will significantly influence the middleweight landscape, shaping potential rivalries and preparation strategies for fighters like de Ridder who are striving for the next championship opportunity.