The octagon has witnessed its share of unstoppable forces, but few have arrived with the raw, untamed intensity of Khamzat Chimaev. Since claiming his UFC title at UFC 319, “Borz” has left a trail of thoroughly dominated opponents, including the previously unbeaten Dricus Du Plessis. His reign has sparked a recurring question among mixed martial arts aficionados and analysts alike: Is there anyone capable of genuinely challenging, let alone dethroning, this formidable middleweight champion?
The Unbroken Reign and the Search for a Weakness
Chimaev`s recent performance was a masterclass in controlled aggression and relentless pressure. He hardly conceded a single exchange, let alone a round, making it clear that mere striking prowess might not be enough. The consensus quickly formed: to trouble Chimaev, one needs an exceptional ground game—a jiu-jitsu guard strong enough to neutralize his wrestling and create opportunities of its own.
Enter the ever-observant mind of Joe Rogan. During the post-fight analysis on ESPN, alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier, Rogan, a long-time commentator and martial arts enthusiast, began to dissect the landscape of potential contenders. His gaze settled on a name that might surprise some: Reinier De Ridder, one half of the upcoming UFC Vancouver main event.
Rogan`s Insight: De Ridder`s Dual Threat
Rogan`s endorsement of De Ridder wasn`t a casual mention; it was a calculated assessment of specific attributes. “Reinier de Ridder, in particular, given his ability to grapple on the ground, and also his ability to land shots standing,” Rogan articulated, detailing De Ridder`s versatile skillset. He highlighted a particular weapon in De Ridder`s arsenal:
“Particularly that knee he lands. That is nasty… Toughness, experience, he throws those combinations with that long lead-in knee. He’s interesting.”
This isn`t merely about surviving on the ground; it’s about posing an offensive threat from various positions, coupled with a striking game that can create openings. De Ridder`s blend of grappling expertise and dangerous stand-up strikes, punctuated by his distinctive knee, presents a multifaceted problem for any opponent, even one as dominant as Chimaev.
Corroboration from a Former Champion
Rogan`s sentiment found an echo in the words of a former middleweight champion, Luke Rockhold. Speaking to Bloody Elbow in the days following UFC 319, Rockhold concurred with the assessment, emphasizing the critical role of wrestling and grappling defense against Chimaev.
“Well who can wrestle? De Ridder, yeah, he could be tough, he could be a problem for Khamzat… But in reality, I like De Ridder. He’s probably the number one choice for this thing, for sure.”
Rockhold`s perspective, coming from a fighter who has navigated the treacherous waters of middleweight contention, adds significant weight to De Ridder`s candidacy. The former champion’s acknowledgment underscores the belief that De Ridder possesses the rare combination of skills required to not just compete, but potentially disrupt Chimaev`s seemingly unbreakable stride.
The Road Ahead: UFC Vancouver and Beyond
Before any dream match-up with Chimaev can materialize, Reinier De Ridder has a significant hurdle to clear: his main event clash against Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver. This fight will serve as a crucial test of De Ridder’s current form and readiness for the elite challenges ahead. Should he emerge victorious, the calls for a super-fight with Khamzat Chimaev will undoubtedly intensify.
The narrative is compelling: an indomitable champion facing a challenger hand-picked by the sport`s most astute observers for his specific, potentially disruptive, skillset. It`s a classic tale of strength meeting strategy, dominance encountering a carefully considered counter. While nobody is declaring Chimaev`s reign over just yet, the discussion around Reinier De Ridder has certainly injected a potent dose of intrigue into the UFC middleweight division.
The fight world waits with bated breath to see if De Ridder can prove Rogan and Rockhold right, and position himself as the one true answer to the “Khamzat Chimaev problem.”
Percy Harlow