Jan 18, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Reinier de Ridder (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Kevin Holland (not pictured) during UFC 311 at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Reinier de Ridder Explains Why He Favors Dricus Du Plessis Over Khamzat Chimaev

Learn All About Why Reinier De Ridder Has Chosen Dricus Du Plessis Instead of Khamzat Chimaev.

Reinier de Ridder is all-ready to compete in his third official UFC fight on May 3, 2025 since he arrived in the company. He will be squaring off against another relative newcomer in the form of Bo Nickal.

More recently “RDR” commented on the potential upcoming fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. However, de Ridder has favored Dricus Du Plessis to be the winner of the fight, when it takes place. But what is his reasoning behind picking the winner? Read on more to find out.

Reinier de Ridder Has Revealed His Choice Based on His Training With Both Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev

Reinier de Ridder has undergone training with both Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis as per MMA Fighting. He has seen their styles which led him to favor Dricus Du Plessis as the winner of the fight (via MMA Fighting on X).

UFC Des Moines co-main eventer Reinier De Ridder weighs in on potential Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight. pic.twitter.com/2trNTF7JvM
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) April 30, 2025

Reinier de Ridder has revealed that Khamzat Chimaev should go all out right from the start against Dricus Du Plessis in a five-round fight. He should also try to choke out Dricus Du Plessis early. However, Dricus Du Plessis is not an easy opponent to take down and he can move very well inside the Octagon. This lessens Chimaev’s chances of taking Du Plessis down in the first round.

Reinier de Ridder stated that if Khamzat Chimaev is not successful in choking out and finishing Dricus Du Plessis early or in the first round, then things will be difficult for him. This is becasue du Plessis will start to get advantage in the following rounds. Moreover, every round Chimaev fails to choke Du Plessis out, the fight will keep getting out of his hands. de Ridder revealed that this will give Du Plessis a chance to fight back, which might not end well for Chimaev. Reinier de Ridder has acknowledged Dricus Du Plessis as a difficult opponent due to his unpredictable nature. He revealed that Du Plesssis’ heavy hands and unorthodox fighting style might become Khamzat Chimaev’s downfall as per MMA Fighting.

Reinier de Ridder Wants To Fight Dricus Du Plessis

Reinier de Ridder is about to fight Bo Nickal as part of tbis third fight in the UFC on May 3, 2025. However, he has also teased a potential fight with Dricus Du Plessis in the future. He stated (via MMA Fighting) –

“Dricus is a good dude too, by the way. Because of the language, I can understand what he says in Afrikaans. He’s pretty similar to his fighting style – all over the place, ADHD – but very nice, very friendly guy. I think that would be a very cool fight to get down the line.”

Reinier de Ridder has made his future UFC intentions clear. Now, he should focus on climbing up the UFC Middleweight division, till he gets his fight against Dricus Du Plessis.

Bo Nickal

Dricus Du Plessis

Khamzat Chimaev

MMA

Reinier de Ridder

UFC

UFC Fight Night

Arka Mukherjee

mlb

mma

wrestling

I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.