The following months contain some enormous middleweight collisions, including the next title fight of the division.
Khamzat Chimaev is currently preparing for Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 in his first UFC title fight.
After UFC 318, Chimaev also went back and forth with Paulo Costa after the former title challenger bounced back with a decisive victory.
Although there are several other large matchups that will take place in the near future with 185 pounds, this weekend's main event is for the top of that list.
Robert Whittaker returns to Reinier de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi in a matchup with great commitment to both men.
Khamzat Chimaev warns Reinier de Ridder that Robert Whittaker is 'not that easy' despite his UFC 308 loss
Even after the way his last fight went, Robert Whittaker is considered a big step for Reinier de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi.
The former middleweight champion has had a number of major setbacks in his career, but he was able to maintain his position as one of the top middle weights.
He used to suffer one of his most devastating losses, which were submitted by Khamzat Chimaev in the first round.
After months of speculation after the cancellation of their originally planned fight with regard to what Chimaev would look like in the later rounds, fans did not find out.
'Borz' does not think that only because he could forcefully implement his game plan and finish Whittaker on the ground that 'RDR' will be able to do the same.
He gave his opinion about the matchup in a recent video clip placed by the UFC.
“It will be a good fight, heavy fight, and both boys are good hunters. I think the other man is more a wrestler, a grappler. He is going to try to get him down and to subdue. Robert is not as easy of an opponent as everyone thinks. I have the chance, me [did] Damage fast, but it is not that easy opponent as everyone thinks. So it will be nice to view that fight. '
Khamzat Chimaev gave his opinion about Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder 👀🔥 👀🔥
“I think the other man [Reinier de Ridder] Is more a grappler, wrestler – he is going to try to get him down, try to subject, but Robert is not as easy as everyone thinks. “
🎥 @UFC pic.twitter.com/gton1nnsmb
– Red Corner MMA (@redcorner_Mma) 25 July 2025
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Reinier de Ridder wants to make a statement to UFC Abu Dhabi by stopping Robert Whittaker
Reinier de Ridder knows that a victory over Robert Whittaker could earn him a title shot if he does an impressive display.
With other large matchups that pop up, that he hopes it will be under the overlay, De Ridder believes that getting his hand is not enough to push his way to the front of the line.
“It all depends on how the fight goes,” De Ridder told MMA Junkie. “If a victory is not enough. I have to finish it. I have to finish it early, hopefully spectacular.”
'The Dutch Knight' has also claimed that if he comes through the fight undamaged and with a victory ready to board UFC 319 on August 16.