Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 319 (Photo: Instagram)
Newly crowned middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) after dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis, in the main fight of the UFC 319, last Saturday (16), Khamzat Shimaev has a long line of candidates ahead of him. Among so many possibilities, the Chechen seems to have already chosen a preference.
In a not so enigmatic publication on the social network 'X' (formerly Twitter), in the early hours of this Tuesday (19), the champion pointed out the Dutchman Ridder's Reinier as a possible preferred target for his first title defense.
See too
Rdr ☠️
— Khamzat Shimaev (@KChimaev) August 19, 2025
'RDR,' the Chechen wrote, alongside a skull and bones emoji.
Former ONE champion and currently ranked fifth in the UFC middleweight rankings, an organization in which he is undefeated, with four wins in four fights, Ridder's Reinier not only did he show interest in the duel, he also dared to promise to show the Chechen what mastery in grappling meant.
"Congratulations on the belt. But I'll show you what true grappling dominance looks like. Sign the contract and send me your location," the Dutchman wrote.
De Ridder had already expressed his desire to face Chimaev moments after the Chechen's victory. The Dutchman made himself available to challenge the champion right away. UFC 321on October 25th in Abu Dhabi, an event that 'Lobo' himself has already indicated he will be attending.
"We'll see what the UFC says. I'm ready and injury-free, thank God," the champion said at a post-match press conference.UFC 319.
You need login To comment.