The UFC middleweight division just got a bold new voice in its chorus. Fresh off his victory at UFC Vegas 100, Reinier de Ridder has already started making waves. The former ONE Championship double champion isn’t wasting any time with his callouts. He has set his sights on none other than the division’s boogeyman, Khamzat Chimaev.
De Ridder’s UFC debut against Gerald Meerschaert wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. While he secured the win, it came with its share of rocky moments. During the post-fight press conference, ‘The Dutch Knight’ expressed particular interest in testing his grappling prowess against Chimaev’s renowned wrestling skills.
“Why not Khamzat? That would be a nice matchup grappling-wise… It would be cool.”
The timing of his callout adds an interesting wrinkle to this story. De Ridder recently spent time training with former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland. The UFC’s Performance Institute (PI) also played a crucial role in his successful weight cut to middleweight. They managed everything from his meals to supplements, treating him “like a king,” as he put it.
The audacity of calling out Chimaev after just one UFC win might raise eyebrows, but it’s worth noting Reinier de Ridder’s credentials. As a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, he’s no stranger to high-stakes fights. His grappling-heavy style could potentially create an interesting stylistic matchup with Chimaev, though some might say he’s biting off more than he can chew.
Fight Fans React To Reiner de Ridder’s Bold Callout Of Khamzat Chimaev
The MMA community never disappoints when it comes to reacting to audacious callouts. de Ridder’s recent challenge to Chimaev set social media ablaze with opinions ranging from admiration to outright disbelief. The former ONE Championship double champion’s bold statement after UFC Vegas 100 has certainly given fight fans plenty to talk about.
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Social media platforms erupted with reactions after Reinier de Ridder’s post-fight press conference went viral. Many fans praised ‘The Dutch Knight’s’ courage, while others questioned if he might have taken one too many shots to the head during his fight with Gerald Meerschaert. Here are some reactions from fight fans:
The discussion has evolved beyond just the potential matchup, sparking debates about fighter mentality and career progression in the UFC. While some see Reiner de Ridder’s callout as premature, others appreciate the refreshing approach of a fighter willing to risk it all for a shot at glory. After all, in a sport where playing it safe rarely leads to stardom, sometimes the biggest risk is taking no risk at all.
