Ali Akbar RosadyVancouver, British Columbia – Reinier de Ridder, a formidable presence in the middleweight division, has articulated a detailed strategy to potentially dethrone the reigning UFC middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev. Despite Chimaev’s seemingly insurmountable dominance, De Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, expressed confidence in his unique skill set to exploit perceived vulnerabilities in the champion’s game. This assertion comes as De Ridder prepares for a critical bout against Brendan Allen at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, a contest he views as essential to solidifying his claim for a future title shot.
Khamzat Chimaev has established himself as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts, boasting an undefeated professional record that includes a rapid ascent through both the welterweight and middleweight divisions within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His signature style, characterized by relentless pressure, powerful wrestling, and devastating striking, has seen him dispatch opponents with a rare efficiency. Few, if any, have managed to significantly inconvenience Chimaev during his tenure in the promotion, leading to a widespread perception of him as an almost unstoppable force. De Ridder, however, offers a contrasting perspective, having trained with Chimaev in the past, an experience he believes grants him a unique insight into the champion’s capabilities and potential weaknesses.
"Skill-wise, I’ll be a good match," De Ridder stated in an interview with CBS Sports, outlining his tactical approach. "I might be able to take him down and put him on his back. That’s a position we haven’t seen him in yet." This particular observation highlights a key aspect of Chimaev’s fighting history: his fights have predominantly unfolded with him in dominant positions, rarely being controlled on the ground or forced to defend from his back for extended periods. De Ridder’s confidence stems from his own formidable grappling prowess, an attribute that has earned him numerous submission victories throughout his career.
De Ridder further elaborated on his multi-faceted approach, suggesting that a potential encounter might diverge significantly from Chimaev’s typical bouts. "We might end up striking more than he has in his previous fights," he mused, indicating a willingness to engage in a stand-up battle if necessary, leveraging his volume striking to potentially wear down the champion. However, the core of his strategy appears to revolve around his ground game. "I think if he takes me down, I’m very dangerous off my back. I have some cool tricks there. If I end up on top, I think I have a good chance of choking him," De Ridder added, underscoring his belief in his submission grappling from both offensive and defensive positions. This perspective suggests that De Ridder views a ground exchange not as a disadvantage, but as an opportunity to implement his specialized submission arsenal, potentially catching Chimaev in a vulnerable position.
Related News :
- UFC Vegas 111: Bonfim and Brown Square Off in High-Stakes Welterweight Clash Amidst Divisional Intensity
- Oliveira Dominates Gamrot in Emotional Rio Return, Extends UFC Records
- Controversy Brews as Arman Tsarukyan’s Unblemished Record Fails to Secure Title Shot Amidst Interim Bout Announcement
- Islam Makhachev Targets Peak Performance and Historic Two-Division Reign, Citing Welterweight Move’s Impact on Fight Night Readiness.
- Light Heavyweight Title Rematch Anchors UFC 320 in Las Vegas as Ankalaev Faces Pereira II.
The immediate focus for Reinier de Ridder, affectionately known as "The Dutch Knight," remains his upcoming middleweight clash against Brendan Allen. This pivotal bout, scheduled for Saturday in Vancouver, carries significant implications for his aspirations within the competitive UFC middleweight division. A victory over Allen is not merely desirable but imperative if De Ridder is to maintain his trajectory towards a potential title shot and close the perceived gap between himself and other top contenders. His track record in ONE Championship, where he simultaneously held both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles, underscores his pedigree as a high-level competitor with a proven ability to perform under pressure and secure championships.
The initial plan for De Ridder’s Vancouver appearance had been a highly anticipated showdown with Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, a fighter widely regarded for his relentless pace, aggressive grappling, and durable fighting style. Analysts had suggested that Hernandez’s attributes made him one of the best-equipped fighters to mirror and potentially challenge Chimaev’s own relentless approach, positioning that bout as a significant litmus test for De Ridder’s title credentials. Unfortunately, a late withdrawal by Hernandez due to injury necessitated a change in opponent, with Brendan Allen stepping in on short notice.
Brendan Allen, while a respected and dangerous competitor in the middleweight division, presents a different challenge and, arguably, a more complex narrative for De Ridder’s immediate title aspirations. Allen recently suffered losses to both "Fluffy" Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov by unanimous decision, results that slightly diminish the immediate impact of a victory over him in the eyes of some pundits and matchmakers. Despite this, De Ridder remains pragmatic about the significance of the contest. "It still means something beating him," De Ridder affirmed, acknowledging Allen’s standing within the division. "He had close fights with Imavov and ‘Fluffy.’ At least he has history with top guys. I think if I’m the first guy, of the three, to finish him, that means something." This strategic outlook highlights De Ridder’s understanding of the promotional landscape, where a decisive finish, particularly against an opponent who went the distance with other top contenders, could significantly bolster his case.
The current UFC middleweight contender landscape is particularly competitive, with Nassourdine Imavov emerging as a strong frontrunner for the next title opportunity. Imavov, currently ranked No. 2 in the division, recently secured a compelling victory over Caio Borralho, following up on a significant knockout win over former champion Israel Adesanya. The context of the Adesanya fight, while ending in a controversial stoppage due to an accidental foul, nonetheless cemented Imavov’s status as a legitimate threat at the top of the division. His recent performances have presented an "open-and-shut case" for his claim to a title shot, placing additional pressure on De Ridder to deliver a dominant performance in Vancouver.
However, De Ridder’s consistent activity and willingness to compete frequently offer a compelling counter-argument in the contender conversation. His upcoming bout against Allen marks his fifth fight in just 11 months, an extraordinary pace in modern MMA. Should he emerge victorious this weekend, De Ridder will achieve a remarkable feat, becoming only the eighth fighter in UFC history to secure four wins within a single calendar year. This level of activity is a testament to his dedication, readiness, and desire to climb the ranks rapidly, qualities that are often valued by the UFC, especially when seeking readily available and proven challengers for championship bouts.
Khamzat Chimaev’s journey to the summit of the middleweight division has been marked by a blend of raw power, exceptional athleticism, and a rare ferocity. Debuting in the UFC in July 2020, "Borz" quickly amassed a string of dominant victories, showcasing his suffocating wrestling, heavy ground and pound, and knockout power. His record, currently standing at 13-0, includes notable wins over respected fighters such as Kevin Holland, Li Jingliang, and a challenging three-round war against former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns. Chimaev’s most recent outing saw him defeat former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023, a victory that, despite being a closely contested decision, officially stamped his arrival as a top middleweight contender and secured his title shot. His ability to seamlessly transition between weight classes and maintain a high level of performance has solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable figures, leaving little room for error for any aspiring challenger.
Reinier de Ridder, conversely, brings a different but equally effective skill set to the octagon. His professional record, standing at 17-1, reflects a career built on superior grappling, tactical precision, and an iron will. Prior to his UFC signing, De Ridder established himself as a dominant force in ONE Championship, capturing both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles. His style, characterized by relentless submission attempts, powerful judo throws, and suffocating top control, has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the sport. His sole professional loss came in a light heavyweight title defense against Anatoly Malykhin, a fight that saw him succumb to a knockout, but did not diminish his standing as an elite middleweight. De Ridder’s "Dutch Knight" persona is backed by a deep understanding of jiu-jitsu and a high fight IQ, making him a complex puzzle for any opponent.
As the Vancouver event draws near, the stakes for Reinier de Ridder are undeniably high. A compelling victory over Brendan Allen is the immediate priority, serving as a critical stepping stone to validate his claims and keep his name firmly in the conversation for a title eliminator or direct shot. Beyond that, his bold declaration regarding Khamzat Chimaev underscores a profound self-belief and a clear vision for how he intends to conquer one of the most feared fighters in modern MMA. The path to the title is fraught with challenges, but De Ridder’s combination of skill, strategic thinking, and relentless activity positions him as a significant player in the evolving landscape of the UFC middleweight division.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMADecember 3, 2025Reinier de Ridder Outlines Ambitious Strategy to Challenge Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev- MMADecember 3, 2025Payton Talbott to Battle Former Mentor Henry Cejudo at UFC 323, Details ‘Career-Defining’ Counsel from ‘Triple C’
MMADecember 2, 2025Former UFC Middleweight Champions Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman Confirm Boxing Rematch for Jake Paul vs. Gervonta Davis Undercard.- MMADecember 2, 2025Ukrainian Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk Offers Grave Warning to Jake Paul Ahead of Anthony Joshua Clash
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
alina maya