Reinier de Ridder sees choices. They’re all powerful, however all of them curiosity him.
Recent off his UFC 311 win over Kevin Holland final Saturday, de Ridder (19-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC) feels good and wholesome. Mentally, he’s prepared for the subsequent problem, which can, no matter opponent, be his third time competing within the UFC cage.
“I believe I can hold with these guys, and that’s what I’m hoping for relatively earlier than later,” de Ridder advised MMA Junkie Radio. There’s all the time quite a lot of stuff to work on, after all. I’m going to continue to grow, hold evolving. However that’s what I’m right here for. I need to be a part of the highest 5. I need to see if I can get my fingers on the belt.”
There isn’t only one path to the title as de Ridder sees it. Wanting on the lay of the land in entrance of him within the rankings, 4 names come to thoughts.
“There are a number of methods to get to Rome. I believe there are quite a lot of choices to get there. All of them could be wonderful. The entire ones you talked about could be wonderful. Khamzat (Chimaev) could be a terrific combat. I don’t suppose he has something booked, so why not? But additionally (Robert) Whittaker would nice. (Israel) Adesanya-(Nassourdine) Imavov winner. I’m prepared for no matter. If I can land an enormous combat like that, end it like I did this one, then I believe there’s no denying me.”
“… It doesn’t actually matter. Like a Khamzat combat could be nice to see the most effective grapplers match up. A striker matchup with Adesanya could be wonderful, as properly. He’s a man I’ve regarded as much as for a really very long time. I’m prepared to point out it up.”
De Ridder, 34, held each the ONE gentle heavyweight and heavyweight titles previous to his UFC signing in 2024. He’s completed each of his UFC appearances by submission.
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