Ali Akbar Rosady
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Reinier de Ridder, a distinguished former two-division titleholder in ONE Championship, has articulated a detailed strategy he believes could culminate in a victory over UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev. Ahead of his critical bout against Brendan Allen at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, De Ridder maintains that his unique blend of submission prowess and volume striking possesses the necessary elements to overcome Chimaev, a fighter widely regarded as an almost insurmountable force within the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Chimaev, who currently holds the UFC middleweight championship, has cultivated a formidable reputation for his dominant performances, characterized by a relentless grappling attack and powerful striking that has left few opponents capable of mounting significant resistance. His ascent through the UFC ranks has been marked by a series of decisive victories, showcasing a skillset that many analysts describe as generational. Chimaev’s ability to overwhelm adversaries, often finishing them within the opening rounds, has established an aura of invincibility around him, positioning him as one of the sport’s most compelling figures. Despite this, De Ridder, who has previously engaged in training sessions with Chimaev, expresses a measured confidence in his capacity to exploit perceived vulnerabilities.
De Ridder, a Dutch grappling specialist holding black belts in both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, brings a rich competitive background to his aspirations. During his tenure in ONE Championship, he achieved remarkable success, simultaneously holding the middleweight and light heavyweight world titles. His professional record, characterized by numerous submission victories, underscores his deep understanding of ground combat and positional control. His transition and ambition within the UFC middleweight division signify a clear intent to challenge the sport’s elite, with Chimaev firmly in his sights.
The foundation of De Ridder’s confidence against Chimaev stems from his direct experience sharing training mats with the champion. This intimate understanding of Chimaev’s physical attributes and technical tendencies informs De Ridder’s strategic blueprint. "Skill-wise, I’ll be a good match," De Ridder stated in an interview with CBS Sports, emphasizing his belief in a competitive parity that belies Chimaev’s undefeated record. De Ridder elaborated on a multi-faceted approach aimed at neutralizing Chimaev’s strengths while capitalizing on his own.
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A cornerstone of De Ridder’s proposed game plan revolves around his ability to initiate takedowns and maintain top control. "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," De Ridder explained. Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy style typically sees him dictating the terms of engagement on the mat, often from an advantageous top position. De Ridder’s assertion highlights a potential tactical shift, where he envisions himself reversing the traditional dynamic and forcing Chimaev to fight from a defensive posture, a scenario largely unexplored in the champion’s UFC career.
Furthermore, De Ridder anticipates a striking exchange that could differ significantly from Chimaev’s previous encounters. "We might end up striking more than he has in his previous fights," he noted. While Chimaev possesses formidable striking power, his preference often leans towards closing distance and securing takedowns. Should De Ridder successfully defend early grappling attempts, he believes his volume striking could wear down the champion and open opportunities. However, De Ridder’s strategy is not solely dependent on offensive grappling or striking. He also emphasizes his formidable defensive capabilities and offensive threats from his back. "I think if he takes me down, I’m very dangerous off my back. I have some cool tricks there," De Ridder asserted, referencing his extensive submission arsenal. His proficiency in jiu-jitsu means that even if Chimaev secures a takedown, he would face an active and dangerous opponent capable of threatening submissions from various positions. The ultimate objective, as articulated by De Ridder, is to secure a finish: "If I end up on top, I think I have a good chance of choking him." This direct statement underscores his belief in his ability to apply fight-ending submissions against the champion.
The middleweight division in the UFC is currently experiencing a period of intense competition and strategic maneuvering, with several contenders vying for a shot at the championship. Reinier de Ridder is actively working to bridge the gap between himself and other prominent figures in the division, notably Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov, currently ranked No. 2, has recently strengthened his case for a title opportunity with significant victories, including a reported triumph over Caio Borralho and a knockout win against former champion Israel Adesanya. These high-profile successes have positioned Imavov as a leading contender, establishing a benchmark against which other aspiring champions are measured.
De Ridder’s initial pathway to making a compelling statement in the title race was slated to be a confrontation with Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez. Hernandez, recognized for his relentless pressure and high-output grappling, is perceived by some analysts as possessing a style that could effectively challenge Chimaev’s intensity. A decisive victory over Hernandez would have provided De Ridder with a strong argument to leapfrog or at least draw even with Imavov in the pecking order for a title shot.
However, the landscape of the UFC middleweight division shifted with the unfortunate withdrawal of Anthony Hernandez from Saturday’s card. Stepping in as a replacement is Brendan Allen, a fighter who recently suffered losses to both Hernandez and Imavov via unanimous decision. While a victory over Allen still holds significance, De Ridder acknowledges that converting such a win into an immediate title shot presents a more complex challenge than a victory over Hernandez might have. Despite this, De Ridder remains optimistic about the implications of a dominant performance against Allen.
"It still means something beating him," De Ridder affirmed, recognizing Allen’s competitive history with top-tier contenders. "He had close fights with Imavov and ‘Fluffy.’ At least he has history with top guys." De Ridder’s strategic focus against Allen is not merely on securing a win, but on achieving a definitive finish. "I think if I’m the first guy, of the three, to finish him, that means something," he stated, highlighting his ambition to surpass the performances of Imavov and Hernandez against Allen. This approach aims to demonstrate a level of dominance that could still elevate his standing in the fiercely competitive division.
While Imavov’s recent performances have provided him with an open-and-shut case for a top contender spot, De Ridder remains a significant presence in the conversation for a future title opportunity, particularly with a victory this weekend. The UFC’s demanding event calendar necessitates a continuous supply of readily available and active challengers across all divisions. In this regard, De Ridder’s consistent activity stands out; the upcoming Vancouver event marks his fifth fight in just 11 months. Should he defeat Brendan Allen, De Ridder would join an exclusive group as only the eighth fighter in UFC history to secure four victories within a single calendar year. This remarkable pace underscores his commitment and readiness to capitalize on opportunities, a trait highly valued by the promotion.
The upcoming UFC Fight Night in Vancouver therefore represents more than just another bout for Reinier de Ridder. It is a critical juncture in his quest to solidify his position within the UFC middleweight division and to ultimately challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the championship. His performance against Brendan Allen will not only be a test of his skills but also a statement of intent, aiming to underscore his readiness for the sport’s highest challenges. The strategic vision he has articulated for a potential clash with Chimaev reflects a fighter deeply confident in his abilities and prepared to navigate the complexities of the middleweight title landscape.
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