Khamzat Chimaev recently shared his thoughts on the highly anticipated middleweight clash between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. The fight will headline UFC Abu Dhabi, an event featuring a number of exciting matchups.
Both fighters aim for an impressive performance, with a win potentially putting them in line for a title shot. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, seeks to bounce back after losing to Chimaev.
Meanwhile, de Ridder, a former two-division ONE champion, defeated highly-touted middleweight Bo Nickal in his latest fight. He aims to secure another high-profile victory to prove himself as a top contender.
A decisive victory over an opponent of Whittaker could be enough to secure a title shot against Dricus du Plessis or Chimaev. Meanwhile, the former UFC champion hopes to get back on track after being submitted by Chimaev in his previous bout.
In a recent conversation with the UFC’s social media team, Chimaev analyzed the fight. He pointed out that de Ridder’s wrestling could be a key factor in a potential win. However, he also emphasized Whittaker’s experience and toughness as posing a threat to ‘The Dutch Knight’.
“I think [de Ridder] is more of a grappler, wrestler—he’s gonna try to take [Whittaker] down, try and submit,” Chimaev said. “Robert is not as easy as everyone thinks.”
Khamzat Chimaev Set for Middleweight Title Shot Against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319
Chimaev faces du Plessis in the UFC 319 headliner, which takes place at the United Center in Chicago on Aug. 16. Depending on what transpires tomorrow, he could be the champion and defending his title against Whittaker or de Ridder.
UFC 319 marks Chimaev’s first UFC title opportunity after his stellar rise since joining the promotion. He has been dominant at both welterweight and middleweight, and could finally accomplish his goal of being crowned champion.
Chimaev is undefeated with a 14-0 record. His record includes wins over former champions Kamaru Usman and Whittaker.
du Plessis aims to hand Chimaev his first career loss and secure his third successful middleweight title defense. A big question remains: Can ‘Borz’ maintain his pace for a full five-round fight?
Chimaev has worked to improve his endurance. He has posted plenty of content showing his intense cardio sessions. Still, he has never gone the distance in a five-round fight in the UFC.
Chimaev’s two decision wins came in three-round fights, so his bout against du Plessis could put those questions to rest.
Robert Whittaker Weighs In on Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Whittaker recently shared his own thoughts on ‘Borz’s upcoming middleweight title fight. He fought both and is definitely one that can offer insight.
During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Whittaker addressed whether Chimaev can impose his will on du Plessis. The former middleweight champion spoke on the strengths of each fighter.
Whittaker said Chimaev’s wrestling will be a key factor in the fight. However, he also warned that du Plessis’ durability could make for a difficult challenge for ‘Borz’:
“Chimaev is going to get [du Plessis] to the ground. If he doesn’t finish him there, I don’t think he wins,” Whittaker said. “If he doesn’t get him out of there, I think Dricus looks good, he looks very promising. He’s a guy that if you don’t get rid of, he kind of wins.”
Khamzat Chimaev Weighs In on Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder