UFC Middenweight Competier Reinier De Ridder believes that Khamzat Chimaev is an easier test for him than Dricus du Plessis.
UFC Middleweight Champion Dric Du Plessis is perhaps the toughest test of his title line against Khamzat Chimaev on UFC 319 later this month. The unbeaten Chimaev gets his long -awaited title shot after he had passed some of the top names in the history of the promotion, including Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.
Despite Chimaev's praise, one of the best contenders in the middleweight division does not believe that it is so difficult to resolve a puzzle as many expect.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Reinier de Ridder explains what makes Khamzat Chimaev 'easier' to fight than Dricus du Plessis
The title fight of Chimaev and Du Plessis will be in an active time in the UFC Midleweight Division. Reinier de Ridder defeated Whittaker about a week ago to continue his climb, and UFC Vegas 109 is led by Anthony Hernandez and Roman Dolidze.
De Ridder has his eyes on a potential title shot, but whether it will be in his UFC official period for him can still be seen. If he had the choice to face the belt either Chimaev or Du Plessis, De Ridder did not hesitate to make his preference known.
During a recent interview with TMZ Sports, De Ridder was asked to evaluate the two UFC 319 headliners.
“Khamzat would be a simpler fight to prepare for I think,” said De Ridder. “There are even more great wrestlers who also stand out, but who are usually great wrestlers. Dricus is just everywhere that it will be very difficult to find a man who can emulate Dricus.
“So Khamzat, I think it will be easier to prepare, but of course still a fight in my life. Both will not be on the schedule for long.”
De Ridder may have to wait a little longer for a title shot in the busy middleweight division. Caio Borralho will serve as the UFC 319 -Back -Up, just a few weeks before his main event with top candidate Nassourdine Imavov in UFC Paris.
Reinier de Ridder made a strong case for Title shot with Robert Whittaker Win
Despite the log-jam at the top of the division, De Ridder could possibly be linked to another star name such as Israel Adesanya or Sean Strickland for his next fight. A collision with the winner of Borralho vs. Imavov can also be useful for a no. 1 competition fight.
The former two-division of two Division De Ridder has impressed with his young UFC Stint. He handed Bo Nickal his first MMA Defeat through Knock -Out on UFC des Moines earlier this year after winning victories on Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert.
Before he signed at the UFC, De Ridder was considered one of the best hunters outside the promotion and achieved two title victories on Aung La Nsang. He separated with one after back-to-back defeats to Anatoly Malykhin.