Khamzat Chimaev may have found an opponent for his first UFC title defense.
Some experts predict that the unbeaten Chimaev has a long and dominant title line after his shutout performance against title holder Dricus du Persis in the UFC 319 Main Event.
Chimaev improved until 15-0 as a professional with a unanimous decision victory over Du Plessis, in which the middleweight was missing champion with his struggle.
Chimaev after the fight showed interest in a quick change on UFC 321 on 25 October in Abu Dhabi.
Chimaev has a middleweight candidate who would be interested in that fight date.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Khamzat Chimaev sends a message to Reinier de Ridder after UFC 319
Chimaev has transferred from 'DDP' to 'RDR'.
That's right, on Monday the new middleweight champion called the #5-ranged competition (soon #6) Reinier de Ridder as a potential challenger.
“RDR [crossbones]'Chimaev wrote on X.
De Ridder, a former dichotomy champion in one championship, has been advertised as Chimaev's heaviest test on 185 pounds for his gripping references.
The Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes from his first UFC Main Event victory at former champion Robert Whittaker in July.
Reinier de Ridder says he would fight '100%' against Khamzat Chimaev on UFC 321
October 21 in Abu Dhabi? Sounds good for De Ridder.
“100%,” said De Ridder about the possible fight of Chimaev on UFC 321 on Submission Radio.
“Yes, I will be 100% ready. I am still in shape. I didn't stop training.
“I ate a bit too much, but I can adjust that very quickly,” said the 6'4 ″ middleweight.
A heavyweight title fight between champion Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane heads are currently UFC 321 this fall.
De Ridder said that while #1 Competent Nassourdine IMAVOV fights against Caio Borralho next month, he could 'sneak' through Chimaev and fight against the title in October.