Reinier de Ridder don’t just look UFC 319s Main event – He gambles his future. When Dricus du Plying Prepares to defend his Middleweight Title in return for Khamzat Chimaev on August 16the One championship Double Champ revealed to MMA who fights why he secretly root against the unbeaten Chechen phenomenon: “If Chimaev wins, I might be waiting for another year.”
The calculated gamble
Fresh from his Split-Decision victory over Robert Whittaker That pushed him #5 in the UFC ranking” the knight is confronted with an unusual dilemma:
| Scenario | Title shot timeline | Risk factor |
| From Plessis wins | Early 2026 (4-6 months) | Low – is preferable to striking matchup |
| Chimaev Wint | At the end of 2026 or later | High – Khamzat’s health/inactivity |
‘Dricus Is the ideal path, ‘admitted the knight. ‘Chimaev Hardly fights once a year. If he wins, who knows when he will defend? ‘This Calculus explains why the Dutch Grappler has registered as a Backupjager for UFC 319.
Style breakdown: Why du Persis is in favor of De Ridder
A BJJ Black calls with 14 entry wins” the knight sees vulnerabilities in the game of the champion:
- Duplessis’s’ 58% removals (low for a champion)
- Gassed in rounds 4-5 versus Strickland
- Never confronted with elite grapplers in the middleweight
“I would drag Dricus to deep water and drown him,” the knight told MMA fighting. ‘Chimaev? That is a five -round war that I may not survive. ‘
Chimaev’s Wild Card factors
The 14-0 Tsjetsjense brings unique challenges that can derail De Ridder’s Plan:
X factors that favor Chimaev
- Covid recovery: Finally healthy after the battle of 2 years
- Wrestling dominance: 4.3 Takedowns/15 min (UFC record)
- Star: UFC can accelerate it, regardless of the counter -arguments of Ridder
- Chimaev’s Cardio: Faded vs. Burns/Gilbert
- Weight savings: Multiple failed attempts at 170 pounds
- Inactivity: Only 1 fight since 2022
The wrinkle effect of UFC 319
The headliner of 16 August will Middleweight Division:
If Du Plessis wins
- The knight probably gets the next shot
- Potential fallback: Strickland Rematch
- Chimaev is falling to #1 competition
If Chimaev wins
- Superfight with Israel is the existence is likely
- The knight May need another victory
- Du Plessis exerts the immediate rematch clause
Frequently asked questions
Can De Ridder fight on UFC 319?
Yes – he is signed as Official Back -up For both main and co-limea events.
How does one career of the Ridder UFC opportunities influence?
Are Light heavyweight/middleweight Belts give him leverage in UFC negotiations.
Who is preferred in Du Plessis vs. Chimaev?
Current opportunities: Chimaev -150” You plessis +130 (Drafkings).
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