Khamzat Chimaev’s recent title defense at UFC 319 was, by all accounts, a masterclass in controlled chaos. His dominant victory over the previously undefeated Dricus Du Plessis not only cemented his championship status but also reignited the perennial question that haunts every dominant athlete: who, if anyone, can truly challenge this formidable force? In a sport where narratives shift as swiftly as a knockout blow, the debate over Chimaev`s potential dethroner is now more vibrant than ever.
The octagon`s most seasoned analyst, Joe Rogan, a voice synonymous with the very pulse of mixed martial arts, has offered a compelling, if not audacious, prediction. Rogan believes the answer might lie with Reinier De Ridder, a name currently slated for the main event at UFC Vancouver.
Joe Rogan`s Bold Endorsement: Reinier De Ridder
Following Chimaev`s suffocating performance at UFC 319, Rogan, alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier on the ESPN broadcast, turned his gaze towards the future. While acknowledging Chimaev`s seemingly impenetrable armor, Rogan articulated his conviction: “Reinier de Ridder, in particular, given his ability to grapple on the ground, and also his ability to land shots standing.”
This isn`t merely a casual observation; it`s a strategic assessment. Rogan highlighted De Ridder`s formidable “nasty” knee strikes and his overall package of “toughness, experience,” and ability to throw “those combinations with that long lead-in knee.” It’s an evaluation that paints De Ridder not just as a competent fighter, but as a uniquely equipped challenger.
The Grappling Gambit: A Key to Unlocking Chimaev?
Chimaev’s path to the top has been paved with overwhelming wrestling and submission prowess. He has, with chilling regularity, rendered elite strikers and grapplers alike helpless on the mat. Therefore, the hypothesis that a strong jiu-jitsu guard and superior grappling might be the champion`s kryptonite holds considerable weight.
Reinier De Ridder, often dubbed “The Dutch Knight,” boasts a formidable grappling resume. His background in BJJ and judo is not just theoretical; it translates into a suffocating, control-oriented style that has seen him submit numerous opponents. If Chimaev`s dominance stems from his ability to dictate where the fight takes place, then a fighter capable of not just defending, but imposing their own will in the grappling exchanges, becomes a rare commodity.
Former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold echoed Rogan`s sentiment, stating, “Well who can wrestle? De Ridder, yeah, he could be tough, he could be a problem for Khamzat.” Rockhold further elaborated, positioning De Ridder as “probably the number one choice for this thing, for sure.” This consensus from two respected figures in the MMA world lends significant credence to the idea that De Ridder possesses the specific tools required to at least trouble, if not overcome, “Borz.”
The Road Through Vancouver: De Ridder`s Next Test
Before any dream matchup with Chimaev can materialize, Reinier De Ridder faces a significant hurdle: Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver. This isn`t merely a tune-up fight; it`s a litmus test. Allen himself is a dangerous contender, and a dominant performance from De Ridder would not only validate Rogan`s prediction but also dramatically elevate his stock within the middleweight division.
Should De Ridder emerge victorious, the conversation will undoubtedly intensify. The vision of a grappling showdown between two submission specialists, both possessing an undeniable physical presence and a relentless will to win, is tantalizing.
The Shifting Sands of the Middleweight Division
In a division brimming with talent, the question of Chimaev`s eventual successor is always simmering. While many have eyed the throne, Rogan`s pinpointing of De Ridder injects a fresh perspective into the contender landscape. It moves beyond mere power or striking exchanges, emphasizing the intricate dance of ground control and submission threats.
Predicting an end to Chimaev`s seemingly invincible reign might seem premature, perhaps even foolish, given his recent performances. Yet, MMA thrives on the unexpected, on the clash of styles and the emergence of new threats. Reinier De Ridder, with his unique blend of elite grappling and improving striking, represents perhaps the most intriguing counterpoint to Chimaev’s reign we`ve seen thus far. The middleweight division, it seems, just got a whole lot more interesting.
Marcus Bellamy