Reinier de Ridder booked his first headliner this weekend in the middle and has offered himself a considerable challenge for his title -eliminator.
The Dutch Grapping Ace De Ridder will perform at the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi and will compete against the former champion Robert Whittaker in a showdown with high deployment, where the couple wants to position himself for a title tax.
De Ridder ran roughly through each of his first three opponents in the promotion and set a target this weekend, in an attempt to set up his claim for a shot in the middleweight gold.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Reinier de Ridder Eyes Stoppage victory over Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi
De Ridder already enjoyed a trio of impressive victories in his UFC Run and enjoyed a few titles successes in one championship before his move to the Octagon.
And able to put his streak at stake this weekend not inclusive his enormous interruption gain on Uber-Prospect, Bo Nickal, De Ridder has plans not to deny himself when it comes to a title shot.
“A victory is not enough. I have to finish it (Robert Whittaker),” Reinier de Ridder told MMA Junkie. “I have to finish it early, hopefully spectacular.
“… that would be perfect, or maybe Khamzat (Chimaev) takes off at the last minute and they call me. We will see.”
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Hoping to serve as a backup for UFC 319 next month if necessary, De Ridder has even offered a rather surprising prediction for the huge headliner of the night.
Reinier de Ridder Picks between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev in Chicago
With plans to face the winner of Dricus Du Plessis and the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev with a victory over Whittaker, String Grappler De Ridder has a sharp eye on the UFC 319 headliner.
And during the earlier training with Chimaev – as well as title defender, du Plessis – De Ridder claims that the first will probably be recorded for the first time in his career.
“I still tend to Dricus (du Persis) because of the experience I have training with both boys,” De Ridder told Submission Radio. “I don't see Khamzat finishing early.
“And I see Dricus building in the third, fourth or fifth round,” De Ridder added. “I see him doing it.”