Quick Read
- Reinier De Ridder challenges Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC Middleweight title at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25.
- De Ridder has had an impressive 2025 with three major wins, including a split decision against Robert Whittaker.
- Khamzat Chimaev recently won the middleweight belt and expressed interest in defending it at UFC 321.
- The potential matchup is highly anticipated for its clash of elite grappling styles.
Reinier De Ridder, the Dutch mixed martial artist and former ONE Championship double champion, has officially issued a challenge to Khamzat Chimaev, the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, for a bout at UFC 321. Scheduled to take place on October 25 in Abu Dhabi, this highly anticipated event has already garnered significant attention due to the potential clash of two elite grapplers in the co-main event slot.
Reinier De Ridder’s Rise in the UFC
Since transitioning to the UFC, De Ridder has been on a meteoric rise, proving his mettle against some of the promotion’s top fighters. In 2025 alone, he has achieved an impressive streak of victories, including a submission win over Kevin Holland, a second-round TKO against Bo Nickal, and a hard-fought split decision against former champion Robert Whittaker. These performances have placed him firmly in the title conversation, and De Ridder believes he is the ideal candidate to challenge Chimaev.
“I’ve faced the best American wrestlers in the world,” De Ridder remarked in a recent interview with Damon Martin. “Now, I’m curious to see how I stack up against the best wrestler from the Caucasus. Send me the contract.” His confidence stems not only from his recent successes but also from his grappling pedigree, as he is known for his ability to dominate opponents on the ground.
The Reign of Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev, also known as “Borz,” has been a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. The Chechen-born Swedish fighter captured the middleweight belt at UFC 319 with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis. Following his triumph, Chimaev expressed interest in defending his title at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, signaling his readiness to remain active and cement his status as the division’s top fighter.
Chimaev has since responded to De Ridder’s challenge with characteristic bravado. “I’m going to make him look like a white belt,” Chimaev declared in a social media post, setting the stage for what could be a fiery buildup to the fight. The stylistic matchup between the two grapplers has intrigued fans and analysts alike, as both fighters are known for their relentless wrestling and ground control.
Why UFC 321 Could Be Historic
UFC 321 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of the year. Headlined by a heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane, the addition of a middleweight title bout featuring Chimaev and De Ridder would elevate the card’s appeal even further. Abu Dhabi, a frequent host of high-profile UFC events, provides an ideal backdrop for this potential showdown, given its strong ties to the MMA community and its ability to attract global attention.
Analysts are particularly intrigued by the clash of styles that this fight represents. Chimaev’s aggressive, smothering wrestling has proven to be a nightmare for many opponents, while De Ridder’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and tactical approach have allowed him to neutralize even the most dangerous adversaries. As noted by Heavy.com, the fight could be a strategic chess match on the ground, testing who can impose their will more effectively.
What’s Next?
While the UFC has yet to officially announce the bout, both fighters appear eager to make it happen. Dana White, the UFC president, has hinted at Chimaev’s return for UFC 321, and De Ridder has stated that he is already preparing for the potential fight. “I’m still in shape,” De Ridder told Submission Radio. “I didn’t stop training. I’ll be 100 percent ready for October.”
If the fight is finalized, it could have significant implications for the middleweight division. A victory for Chimaev would solidify his reign and further his reputation as one of the UFC’s most dominant champions. On the other hand, a win for De Ridder would mark a remarkable achievement, cementing his legacy as one of the few fighters to successfully transition from another major promotion to UFC stardom.
As the countdown to UFC 321 continues, the MMA world waits with bated breath to see if this dream matchup becomes a reality. Whether it’s De Ridder’s calculated grappling or Chimaev’s relentless aggression, one thing is certain: the Octagon in Abu Dhabi is set to host an unforgettable battle.