Although de Ridder told Submission Radio<\/a> he is excited for the fight to play out, he selfishly wants Khamzat Chimaev not to make the fight against champion Dricus du Plessis so de Ridder can get a short-notice title shot against the South African, assuming de Ridder takes care of business.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, though, de Ridder gave his prediction for the fight. It is du Plessis’ first fight on U.S. soil in a little over two years, whereas Chimaev last fought stateside in Sept. 2022.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Justin Gaethje says ‘absolutely not’ to rumored UFC fight and threatens retirement<\/a><\/p>\n Reinier de Ridder (red gloves) blows the crowd a kiss after defeating Bo Nickal (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Wells Fargo Arena on May 3, 2025, in Des Moines. \/ Lily Smith\/The Register \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n “I\u2019m still leaning towards Dricus because of the experience I have with training with both the guys,” de Ridder said.<\/p>\n Even with the experience, de Ridder is not counting Chimaev out unless the fight hits rounds 3-5. <\/p>\n “I just don\u2019t see Khamzat finishing him early and I see Dricus building in the third, fourth, and fifth round and I see him edging it out, but we\u2019ll see, hopefully it never happens and I can jump in,” de Ridder added.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Jon Jones responds as Dana White rules him out of UFC White House event<\/a><\/p>\n Sep 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Kevin Holland (blue gloves) during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images \/ Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Even though du Plessis-Chimaev is inching closer, de Ridder said he is confident he can make a quick turnaround if need be.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s two weeks after my fight, so maybe we can still get lucky,” de Ridder said.<\/p>\n Since joining the UFC from ONE Championship, de Ridder is 3-0 with all three wins coming by stoppage against the likes of Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland and, most recently, Bo Nickal in May.<\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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