Dutch mixed martial arts sensation Reinier de Ridder has made no secret of his ambitions to conquer the UFC's middleweight division. The reigning ONE Championship titleholder has called out some of the sport's biggest names, including former UFC champion Robert Whittaker, undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev, and rising star Dricus du Plessis.
De Ridder's Bold Challenge
Speaking to media, de Ridder expressed his desire to test himself against the UFC's elite. "I want Whittaker, Chimaev, du Plessis - any of them," declared the 33-year-old grappler. "I've dominated ONE Championship, and now I'm ready for the UFC's best."
The Potential Matchups
Robert Whittaker: The former UFC middleweight champion would represent the ultimate test for de Ridder. Whittaker's striking pedigree against de Ridder's submission expertise would make for a fascinating stylistic clash.
Khamzat Chimaev: The Chechen-born Swede has bulldozed through every opponent thus far. A matchup with de Ridder would pit two of MMA's most dominant grapplers against each other.
Dricus du Plessis: The South African powerhouse has been making waves in the UFC with his aggressive style. This could be an explosive encounter if the fight materializes.
The Road to UFC
While de Ridder remains under contract with ONE Championship, his public callouts suggest he's eyeing a future in the UFC. "I respect ONE, but every fighter dreams of competing in the UFC," he admitted. "When the time is right, I'll be ready."
MMA analysts are already speculating about how de Ridder's unique skillset would translate to the UFC's middleweight division. His unorthodox grappling style and 16-0 professional record make him an intriguing prospect for the promotion.
