Reinier de Ridder believes he can dethrone the UFC middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev, with his submission skills and volume striking. Despite Chimaev's seemingly invincible status, de Ridder's training with the champion and his own submission expertise give him confidence. A win over Brendan Allen on Saturday is crucial for de Ridder's title aspirations, as it keeps him in the running for a shot at the belt. De Ridder's active streak, competing for the fifth time in 11 months, showcases his dedication and determination. He aims to close the gap with fellow contender Nassourdine Imavov, who has recently dominated his opponents. However, de Ridder's path to the title is not without challenges, as Allen, his new opponent, has a history with top contenders. De Ridder's ability to finish Allen and make a strong case for a title shot remains to be seen, but his performance will undoubtedly spark discussions among analysts and fans alike.
