Khamzat Chimaev has, in a relatively short span, established himself as one of the most formidable and talked-about fighters in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). His recent dominant victory over Dricus Du Plessis, a performance that showcased a terrifying blend of wrestling and striking, only solidified his reputation as a seemingly unstoppable force. This relentless ascent has left fans and pundits alike grappling with a singular, compelling question: who, if anyone, possesses the tools to truly challenge this `Borz` phenomenon and halt his formidable run?
The debate has raged fiercely, often bordering on the theoretical, given Chimaev`s near-unblemished record and overwhelming victories. Yet, amongst the clamor for a worthy adversary, a surprising name has emerged from the lips of none other than UFC commentator and podcast sensation, Joe Rogan. His pick for the fighter most likely to trouble Chimaev`s reign of dominance? Reinier De Ridder.
Joe Rogan`s Calculated Risk: The De Ridder Hypothesis
Following Chimaev`s commanding performance, the usual post-fight analysis turned quickly to potential future matchups. On the ESPN broadcast, Rogan, alongside fellow analysts Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier, delved into the intricacies of Chimaev`s style. While acknowledging the overwhelming nature of his game, Rogan pivoted to a fighter whose skillset he believes could present a unique puzzle.
“Reinier de Ridder, in particular, given his ability to grapple on the ground, and also his ability to land shots standing,” Rogan articulated, dissecting De Ridder`s potential against Chimaev. “Particularly that knee he lands. That is nasty… Toughness, experience, he throws those combinations with that long lead-in knee. He’s interesting.”
Rogan`s assessment points to two critical components: De Ridder`s elite-level grappling and his surprisingly effective striking. In a sport where specialists often thrive but complete fighters excel, De Ridder`s blend of offensive weapons and defensive fortitude, particularly on the ground, presents a compelling counter-narrative to Chimaev`s perceived invincibility.
The Dutch Knight: A Unique Challenge to the `Borz`
Reinier De Ridder, known as `The Dutch Knight,` is a name perhaps less familiar to the casual UFC fan, having carved out much of his impressive career in ONE Championship, where he notably became a two-division world champion. His resume boasts an extensive background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he holds a black belt, and a professional record characterized by submission finishes. This grappling pedigree is precisely what Rogan and other experts believe could be the kryptonite to Chimaev`s ferocity.
While Chimaev`s wrestling is undeniably suffocating, De Ridder`s jiu-jitsu guard and submission game are of a different caliber—a realm where prolonged ground exchanges could turn from Chimaev`s advantage into De Ridder`s hunting ground. Add to this the “long lead-in knee” that Rogan highlighted, and De Ridder possesses an unorthodox striking approach that could disrupt Chimaev`s aggressive entries.
The immediate path for De Ridder, however, runs through the upcoming UFC Vancouver main event, where he is slated to face Brendan Allen. A victory there would not only elevate his standing within the UFC`s middleweight division but also significantly bolster the argument for him as a legitimate contender to Chimaev`s dominance.
Expert Consensus and The Road Ahead
Rogan isn`t alone in his assessment. Former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold echoed similar sentiments in the days following Rogan`s comments. “Well who can wrestle? De Ridder, yeah, he could be tough, he could be a problem for Khamzat,” Rockhold mused, adding, “But in reality, I like De Ridder. He’s probably the number one choice for this thing, for sure.”
The convergence of opinions from such seasoned voices signals a shift from mere fan speculation to a more calculated analysis of Chimaev`s potential weaknesses. The romantic notion of an “unbeatable” fighter is a powerful narrative, but in MMA, every reign eventually faces its ultimate test. Whether Reinier De Ridder can indeed be the one to provide that test remains to be seen, but his name is now firmly etched into the conversation.
For now, the middleweight division remains a thrilling landscape of possibilities. Chimaev continues his ascent, and De Ridder stands on the precipice of a significant UFC opportunity. Should their paths eventually cross, it would be a clash of styles that promises to be nothing short of a fascinating, high-stakes chess match—a true test of whether the `Borz` can truly be tamed by the `Dutch Knight.`
Gareth Pendleton