After victory at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder challenges Du Plessis and Chimaev and demands a shot at the belt

Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi . Photo: Instagram/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Reinier de Ridder was thrilled after winning the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi , which took place last Saturday (21). The Dutchman, who beat Robert Whittaker by split decision, asked to fight for the middleweight title (up to 83,9kg) in his next appearance and wants to face the winner of Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.

“I want to stop my opponents in the first round. Maybe Dricus (du Plessis) will be next. Give me a chance to fight for the title. I was hoping I could take him down ( Robert Whittaker ) and finish the fight, but he’s very tough, very resilient,” de Ridder said in an interview still in the octagon.

See too

FIGHT VIDEO: Watch the best moments of Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier De Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi

Check out all the results from UFC Abu Dhabi

Reinier De Ridder applies pressure, suffers knockdown and defeats Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi

Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi , held last Saturday (26). In the fight, the Dutchman had about nine minutes of control between takedowns and pressure against the cage against the former champion, according to data released by the organization itself.

With this result, RDR should move up to fifth place in the division's rankings and has a record of 21 wins and two losses in his professional MMA career. Fighting for Dana White's company, the man who defeated Robert Whittaker has already beaten names like Gerald Meerschaert , Kevin Holland , and Bo Nickal , in addition to the former champion.

Before competing in the Ultimate, the fighter had already been a double champion in the ONE Championship, in the middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) divisions.

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.