Reinier de Ridder is gearing up for a pivotal bout in his UFC career, with aspirations of clinching the middleweight championship if he secures victory in his upcoming fight against Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi this Saturday. De Ridder, a former two-division champion with ONE Championship, is coming off a stunning knockout of rising star Bo Nickal in May. He understands the significance of his matchup with Whittaker, a former champion who has demonstrated resilience and skill, as crucial for his career trajectory.
De Ridder expressed his admiration for Whittaker, commenting on the Australian’s undeterred spirit despite recent setbacks, including a fight against Khamzat Chimaev that resulted in a loss, impacted by an injury Whittaker sustained beforehand. He noted Whittaker’s previous performance against Ikram Aliskerov, which showcased his knockout ability and relevance in the division.
The middleweight category is set to showcase its own drama with three major fights in quick succession, starting with de Ridder’s matchup. Following that, reigning champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, adding another layer of excitement to the division.
Recognizing the importance of style, de Ridder realizes that simply defeating Whittaker might not secure him a title shot; he aims to deliver a spectacular performance to enhance his claim. He is confident in his abilities across striking and grappling and aims to apply pressure to Whittaker, limiting his space to maneuver.
De Ridder has already made a mark in the UFC with two submissions and a knockout in three fights, whereas his potential title challengers, Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, have had more decision victories. In an ideal scenario, he envisions a dominant finish against Whittaker followed by a lackluster fight between Imavov and Borralho, positioning him favorably for a title opportunity.
While focused on his own fight, de Ridder stays prepared for the possibility of stepping in for du Plessis if needed, given Chimaev’s history of pulling out from matches due to health issues. He remains hopeful about his future and knows that staying ready post-fight could lead to an unexpected chance in the title race.
De Ridder believes that achieving a notable win and potentially finishing Whittaker spectacularly could elevate his standing in pursuit of the middleweight title. He is eagerly looking forward to the wealth of opportunities that lie ahead as he stays ready for any unfolding circumstances in the UFC’s middleweight division.