The man is called the only competition on a large scale who is able to rid UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev has heard his voice.
A new era is underway on 185 pounds after the events that unfolded during the UFC 319-PAY-per-View on Saturday in Chicago.
Headlining in the United Center was the newest title fight of the Middleweight Division, which turned out to be a one-sided affair when Chimaev Drica Du Persis dominated to easily remove the belt of the South African.
It did not take long before the focus turns on what the next one is for the newly crowned king, and a man who is often thrown around as a potential challenger has put the glove.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty images
Reinier de Ridder calls for 'Fight for the Ages' with Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 319
For many, the winner of Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho should get the first crack in September when firing 'Borz'. Chimaev is 'certain' that fight is an eliminator, but timelines can lead to an alternative opponent being thrown by the UFC.
Should Chimaev get his wish for a quick change to defend the title in Abu Dhabi the following month, the name of Reinier de Ridder is discussed.
The Dutchman has won three fights in a row since he was signed at the UFC. His most recent Triumph came into the main event of a UFC fighting evening in Abu Dhabi last July, where the Ridder Robert Whittaker defeated to add a former champion to his CV.
'The Dutch Knight' responded to Chimaev's title profit on his Instagram stories and noted that he has already defeated an elite American grappler in Bo Nickal and wants to do the same against one of the best in Chechenia.
“The new champion showed a wrestling and control -Masterclass yesterday,” De Ridder wrote.
“A crazy achievement to dominate DDP. I believe that a matchup between us can fight for the centuries.
“I already faced the best American wrestler (Nickal), I am curious how I can do against the best Caucasus Area thrust,” added De Ridder.
Joe Rogan called Reinier de Ridder as the man who could test Khamzat Chimaev
One of the first to points to De Ridder as an intriguing option for the newly crowned champion was Joe Rogan.
During the last moments of the UFC 319 broadcast, Rogan spoke about Chimaev vs. De Ridder, insistently that the Dutch competition has the tools to make things interesting.
“In particular Reinier de Ridder, in view of his ability to struggle on the ground, and also his ability to land shots, in particular the knee he lands. That is filthy,” Rogan said, discussing the list of potential opponents of Chimaev.
“Toughness, experience, he throws those combinations with that long walk -in knee. He is interesting.”