Khamzat Shimaev with the belt on UFC 319 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
The dominant victory of Khamzat Shimaev about Dricus du Plessis No. UFC 319 crowned the Chechen as the new middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), but also opened the door to speculation about possible threats to his reign. Among those who weighed in is Robert whittaker, former owner of the belt, who knows the Chechen's power up close after being submitted by him in 2024.
For the Australian, Ridder's Reinier emerges as one of the few names capable of making things difficult for the undefeated champion. The Dutchman, currently ranked fifth in the rankings, is coming off a victory over Whittaker himself in Abu Dhabi and, in the former champion's view, possesses characteristics that could surprise Chimaev in a potential duel.
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"I think De Ridder has a good chance. The person who gave Chimav the toughest fight was Gilbert Burns"It's a good idea because Chimaev respected Gilbert's jiu-jitsu game and was cautious. De Ridder is a ground fighter. He's tall and plays well on the ground. If Chimaev respects his ground game, as he did with Burns, and the fight develops through open exchanges, I think de Ridder is very unconventional. He has some annoying attacks that could bother Chimaev," Whittaker analyzed on his 'MMA Arcade' podcast.
Robert whittaker was not the only one to highlight De Ridder's potential. During the broadcast of the UFC 319, the official Ultimate commentator, Joe Rogan, also mentioned the Dutchman as a name capable of testing the new champion.
"Ridder's Reinier, given his grappling skills on the ground and also his ability to land strikes standing up, particularly the knee. He's savage. Toughness, experience, combinations with that incoming knee. He's interesting," said Rogan.
Former ONE Championship Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, Ridder's Reinier is undefeated in the UFC, with four wins in four fights in the octagon.
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