The style of Khamzat Chimaev is described as “typical” than UFC Middleweight Champion Dric Du Plessis, making it easier to train.
Chimaev finally has the chance to win UFC Gold during next month's pay-per-view event in Chicago, where he will look to keep his perfect Octagon record intact by becoming the first to beat Du Plessis in the promotion.
To date, Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns are one of those who did not stop charging the Chechense to the top. And after seeing Chimaev Crush Whittaker at UFC 308 last year, many expect 'Borz' to secure the throne on UFC 319.
In the eyes of a competition who wants to challenge the winner of the main event of 16 August, that result would give him an easier task than if Du Plessis de Riem successfully defends.
Reinier de Ridder claims that Khamzat Chimaev would be easier to prepare than Dricus du Plessis
Reinier de Ridder's UFC Abu Dhabi victory on Whittaker has resulted in a considerable climb to no. 5 in the ranking of the middleweight. The Dutchman has made it clear that he wants the opportunity to add UFC Gold to the trophy cabinet of his career.
He repeated that during a recent interview with ESPN MMA, while he also made a daring claim about who would be more difficult to train for the current Champ du Plessis and the prospective challenger Chimaev.
“Khamzat would be a simpler fight to prepare,” said De Ridder.
“It is more a typical style. I can take a few Dagestanis and Chechens that are quite similar to Khamzat. It's not as strange as Dricus is.
“It would be harder to prepare for Dricus, but if he wins, he might be the bigger name,” De Ridder added.
Reinier de Ridder's teammate makes a bold prediction for the potential Khamzat Chimaev fight
De Ridder's claim was received with Pushback by many fans on social media, but 'The Dutch Knight' has strong support of a former teammate and colleague UFC Fighter.
Robert Valentin spoke with Bloody Elbow, praised the ability of his ex-training partner, and even tipped the knight to throw Chimaev when they meet along the line within the Octagon.
“His basic skills are unparalleled in the UFC and I will make this call now,” said Valentin. “I think that even against Khamzat Chimaev, the grip fairs would win.
“Perhaps not the majority of the wrestling changes, but the gripping changes.”