Khamzat Chimaev has been absolutely dominant in one area since he arrived for the first time in the UFC.
The undefeated competition will participate in his first UFC title fight next month in Chicago.
For many it is the wrestling and submission threat of Chimaev that will give him an early advantage against Dricus du Plessis on UFC 319 on August 16.
His incredibly difficult to prepare-for-for-for-for exhibition was completely visible in his last outing on UFC 308, where Chimaev Robert Whittaker finished in the first round.
Another of the most dangerous grapplers in the division, Reinier de Ridder, hopes to produce a similar performance this weekend that could set up a meeting between him and 'Borz' in the line.
Robert Valentin believes that Reinier de Ridder would win the grip fairs against Khamzat Chimaev
A middleweight matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder would be a treat for wrestling fans because of the specialized skills that both men bring to the table.
They have both been successful with their striking in the Achthoek, but it is impossible to deny that they do their best work as soon as the fight hits the floor.
The struggle of Chimaev has been incredibly dominant, but with De Ridder known for his incredibly cunning and creative entry game, 'RDR' could be a number of interesting problems.
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Robert Valentin praised several aspects of De Ridder's game, trained in the past with 'The Dutch Knight'.
Valentin made the daring prediction in advance that if 'RDR' once crosses paths with Chimaev, the Dutchman would do more than keep his own in the wrestling.
“His basic skills are unparalleled in the UFC and I will make this call now. I think that even against Khamzat Chimaev, he would win the gripping fairs. Perhaps not the majority of struggling [Robert] Whittaker fighting. “
Khamzat Chimaev weighed his thoughts about the fight of Reinier de Ridder with Robert Whittaker
Reinier de Ridder knows that, in order to position himself for a title shot, he should do more than just beat Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Khamzat Chimaev recently shared his thoughts over the main event of July 26 and made sure that the 'RDR' warned that it will not be easy to put 'The Reaper' in style as he did at UFC 308.
“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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With various large middleweight matchups that will take place in the coming months, the division has been set for some important changes at the top of the ranking.