The UFC middleweight division is heating up with a potential blockbuster matchup on the horizon! Reinier de Ridder is making a bold claim, stating that he deserves a title shot against the reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev, over fellow contender Nassourdine Imavov. But here's where it gets interesting... De Ridder is not only calling out the champ, but he's also weighing in on Chimaev's recent callout of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
De Ridder, with an impressive 3-0 record this year, believes a win over Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver will solidify his case for a title shot. He acknowledges Chimaev's wish for a superfight against Pereira but thinks the champion should focus on defending his own belt first. And this is the part most people miss: De Ridder isn't afraid to admit that a fight between Chimaev and Pereira would be intriguing.
He told MMA Fighting, 'While Chimaev's wrestling is undoubtedly his greatest strength, we haven't seen Pereira truly tested against top-level wrestlers.' This is a bold statement, considering Pereira's impressive run as champion. But de Ridder isn't one to shy away from controversy, adding, 'I'd love to face Chimaev first, but a fight against Pereira would be a fascinating challenge.'
However, de Ridder's path to the title isn't without obstacles. Nassourdine Imavov is on a five-fight win streak, including a victory over former champion Israel Adesanya. De Ridder respects Imavov's skills but believes he can look even better in their upcoming fight, especially after Imavov's recent performance against Caio Borralho.
As for the timing, de Ridder's strategy is clear. With Chimaev's next fight likely in early 2026, he's aiming to stay active and capture the attention of UFC fans. He said, 'I want to fight now, take a break, and then prepare for Chimaev. February is Ramadan, so an early 2026 fight makes sense.'
De Ridder's confidence is evident, but will he convince the UFC fans and earn the title shot? Only time will tell. Who do you think deserves the next shot at the middleweight crown? Is de Ridder's claim valid, or is Imavov the rightful contender? Share your thoughts in the comments!
