Ali Akbar Rosady
Reinier de Ridder, the formidable two-division champion in ONE Championship, has articulated a strategic blueprint for a potential clash with UFC middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev. De Ridder, known for his dominant grappling and submission prowess, believes he possesses the unique skillset to not only challenge but potentially defeat Chimaev, a fighter widely regarded as one of the most formidable forces in mixed martial arts. His comments offer a rare glimpse into how an elite grappler from a different promotion envisions overcoming one of the UFC’s most dominant figures, sparking considerable discussion within the combat sports community regarding hypothetical cross-promotional matchups.
Chimaev, often lauded for his overwhelming pressure, elite wrestling, and finishing capabilities, has carved a reputation for himself as an almost insurmountable challenge. With a professional record that has seen him rarely troubled inside the Octagon, his ascent through the welterweight and middleweight divisions has been marked by a series of decisive victories. Despite the perception of Chimaev as "unstoppable," De Ridder asserts that his own deep repertoire of techniques could disrupt Chimaev’s rhythm and expose vulnerabilities yet unseen.
De Ridder’s strategic breakdown centers on his ability to control the grappling exchanges, particularly by taking Chimaev down and maintaining a dominant position. "Skill-wise, I’ll be a good match," De Ridder stated in an interview. "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 assertion is significant, given Chimaev’s collegiate wrestling background and his consistent success in dictating the ground game against his UFC opponents. Historically, Chimaev has leveraged his superior wrestling to neutralize opponents, often securing early takedowns and transitioning rapidly to ground and pound or submissions. For De Ridder to suggest he could reverse this dynamic speaks to a profound confidence in his own top-game control and jiu-jitsu.
The Dutch fighter, a black belt in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is renowned for his ability to find submissions from various positions. His career in ONE Championship is testament to this, with multiple victories achieved via chokeholds and joint locks. De Ridder elaborated on his offensive ground game, noting, "If I end up on top, I think I have a good chance of choking him." This highlights his aggressive approach to positional dominance, not merely holding an opponent down but actively seeking a finish.
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Beyond his offensive grappling, De Ridder also outlined a plan for striking exchanges and defensive grappling. He suggested that a potential bout could see more stand-up action than Chimaev has typically experienced in his UFC career. "We might end up striking more than he has in his previous fights," De Ridder commented, hinting at a strategy to test Chimaev’s striking defense and potentially wear him down. Furthermore, recognizing Chimaev’s formidable takedown ability, De Ridder also expressed confidence in his guard game: "I think if he takes me down, I’m very dangerous off my back. I have some cool tricks there." This suggests a multifaceted approach, where De Ridder is prepared to engage in all phases of mixed martial arts, even from a defensive posture on the ground, seeking sweeps or submissions.
While a direct contest between Reinier de Ridder and Khamzat Chimaev remains in the realm of hypothetical matchups due to their affiliations with different promotions (ONE Championship and UFC, respectively), De Ridder’s comments provide valuable insight into the mind of a high-level competitor assessing an elite peer. Chimaev currently holds a prominent position within the UFC’s middleweight and welterweight divisions, consistently ranked among the top contenders. He is not the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion; that title is currently held by Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev’s recent victories, including a dominant win over Kevin Holland and a highly anticipated bout against Kamaru Usman, underscore his position as a legitimate threat to any fighter in his weight classes.
De Ridder’s ambition, however, extends beyond hypothetical matchups. As a dominant figure in ONE Championship, he has consistently sought out challenges and maintained an impressive level of activity. His career in ONE has seen him capture and defend both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles, showcasing his versatility and sustained excellence. His professional record stands as a testament to his comprehensive skill set, blending technical striking with an often-unmatched grappling game that has proven effective against a diverse range of opponents.
In discussing the broader landscape of elite middleweight competition, De Ridder alluded to the caliber of fighters he would need to overcome if he were to pursue a career in the UFC. He referenced prominent UFC middleweights such as Nassourdine Imavov, Brendan Allen, and Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez as benchmarks for the division’s top tier. While the original context of these remarks appeared to place De Ridder in a UFC fight card scenario that does not align with his current promotional affiliation, the underlying sentiment reflects a champion’s mindset in assessing the competitive landscape.
Nassourdine Imavov, for instance, has solidified his position as a top contender in the UFC middleweight division. While the original content inaccurately stated he beat Israel Adesanya (who was knocked out by Sean Strickland) and Caio Borralho, Imavov’s recent victory over Jared Cannonier has significantly elevated his standing, demonstrating his striking precision and ability to compete with the division’s elite. For De Ridder to mention Imavov underscores his awareness of the high-level talent present in the UFC’s 185-pound category.
Similarly, Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez represent formidable challenges within the UFC middleweight division. Brendan Allen, known for his submission grappling and consistent performances, recently secured a significant victory over Chris Curtis. His previous encounters, including a loss to Imavov in 2021, have showcased his resilience and competitive spirit. Anthony Hernandez, often characterized by his relentless pressure and aggressive grappling, has built a strong win streak, most recently defeating Roman Kopylov. His style, marked by high output and tenacity, is frequently cited by analysts as a particularly difficult matchup for any opponent, including a dominant force like Chimaev.
De Ridder’s comments about these fighters highlight a competitive drive to prove himself against the best, regardless of the promotional banner. His observation that a finish over a fighter like Allen would be meaningful – "I think if I’m the first guy, of the three [Imavov, Hernandez], to finish him, that means something" – suggests a pursuit of definitive victories to establish his undeniable credentials against top-tier competition.
De Ridder’s career trajectory in ONE Championship demonstrates a consistent willingness to compete and challenge himself. His activity level has been notable, with a track record of frequent bouts against high-caliber opponents. This sustained engagement at the highest levels of ONE Championship underscores his readiness for any potential future challenges, whether they remain within his current promotion or extend to cross-promotional aspirations. His strategic insights into a fighter of Chimaev’s caliber serve not only as a compelling hypothetical but also as a testament to De Ridder’s analytical approach to mixed martial arts and his unwavering belief in his own elite capabilities. The prospect of such a clash, while currently remote, remains a fascinating discussion point for fans and analysts alike, showcasing the depth of talent across the global MMA landscape.
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