Chimaev at a press conference UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram / Khamzat Shimaev
Ridder's Reinier He recently joined the UFC, but he's already plotting a bold plan to win the middleweight belt in the world's largest MMA organization. A former two-time ONE FC champion, the Dutchman is scheduled for the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, scheduled for next Saturday (26), and hopes that an unexpected opportunity will arise soon after.
In the main fight UFC 319, Dricus Du Plessis faces Khamzat Shimaev for the middleweight title. However, De Ridder sees this scenario as a golden opportunity. In an interview with 'Submission Radio,' he revealed that he's rooting for Chimaev to withdraw from the fight at the last minute, which could pave the way for him to enter the title fight just two weeks after his next appearance.
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“I still hope Khamzat backs out at the last minute. The UFC 319 It's two weeks after my fight, so maybe we'll still get lucky," said the former ONE FC champion.
The hope that the 'Wolf' will withdraw from the fight comes from Chimaev's history of canceled fights in the UFC. The Chechen has had six fights canceled throughout his career, most of them due to his health.
Reinier De Ridder bets on Dricus Du Plessis and predicts victory in the final rounds against Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus Du Plessis faces Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 319 (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)
The Dutch Ridder's Reinier bet on Dricus Du Plessis as a favorite in UFC 319, based on the experience he had training with both athletes. In his view, Khamzat Shimaev will not be able to get a quick finish, while Du Plessis tends to grow in the final rounds, which could be decisive for a narrow victory.
"I'm still leaning toward Dricus because of the experience I've had training with both of them. I just don't see Khamzat finishing him early, and I see Dricus growing in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds. I see Dricus narrowly winning," he concluded. Ridder's Reinier.
De Ridder faces Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi
Robert whittaker e Ridder's Reinier are the main attraction of the UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Montagerm Super Lutas
Before thinking about filling a possible vacancy left by Khamzat Shimaev, Ridder's Reinier has a more urgent commitment ahead. The Dutchman faces Robert whittaker in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi, next Saturday (26).
Known for his successful career in Glory, De Ridder made his UFC debut with an immediate impact. In his first fight, he submitted Gerald meerschaert still in the first round. Next, he faced Kevin holland and repeated the feat, winning again by submission in the opening round. In his most recent performance, knocked out the promising BoNickal, securing his place in the organization's middleweight rankings.
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