A new rivalry could brew in the middleweight while Reinier de Ridder goes back and forth with a fellow participant after UFC Abu Dhabi.
De Ridder was one of the biggest winners to appear from the UFC Fight Night event on Saturday in the Middle East, because the former two-division continued a championship title holder in his new promotion.
In less than a year, 'The Dutch Night' has already won four consecutive games in the Octagon, and his last Saturday evening about Robert Whittaker was his most important so far.
But not everyone was impressed …
With all due respect, I would eliminate the knight 3 x that round round. That said, congratulations on your victory today, despite bad fights.
– Paulo Costa (@borrachinhamma) 26 July 2025
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Reinier de Ridder responds to Paulo Costa's Knock -Out prediction
Paulo Costa responded quickly to the Ridder's UFC Abu Dhabi victory over Whittaker. The charismatic Brazilian is not someone who cuts his words, and that could be seen again when Costa claimed that he would eliminate the knight three times per round.
The Dutch competition was warned of the comments of his fellow participant on social media during his press conference after the fight. In response, he brought the defeat of Costa to Whittaker at UFC 298 in February 2024.
“There is always a hater outside,” said De Ridder.
“Never fight Paulo Costa against Whittaker? What happened?” he asked before he laughed.
Costa was equipped by 'The Reaper' in a memorable three-round war in Anaheim. After losing his next fight against Sean Strickland, the Brazilian recently bounced back by beating Roman Kopylov on UFC 318.
Paulo Costa is not in the immediate plans of Reinier de Ridder
While the exchange of the couple could set up a future collision in the Octagon, De Ridder has currently set his sights elsewhere.
In the immediate aftermath of his victory over Whittaker, 'The Dutch Knight' stabbed his claim for a shot on the winner of the defending defense of Dricus du Plessis against Khamzat Chimaev on UFC 319.
If he wins the belt, the Ridder's “Dream” would not be a confrontation with Costa as a champion.
“Crazy Year. Four fighting, three finishes, almost Rob ended up. Life is good,” said De Ridder on ESPN's UFC Fight Night Post Show.
“I am now a top five guy. So, yes, I would say Dricus, I would say Khamzat (next). … I think of Dricus (winning on UFC 319). He has the Dutch genes like me. I think Dricus, but we will see.
“(Israel) Adesanya would also be fun. That's a dream matchup,” De Ridder continued. “That would be a nice first title defense.”