'It Didn't Tell Me Too Much'
Today at 08:10 PM
Is RDR pulling a GSP?
Former ONE Championship two-division champion-turned-Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Reinier de Riddermakes his second appearance in the promotion at UFC 311 this weekend (Sat., Jan. 18, 2025) when he takes on the almost-active Kevin Hollandinside the brand-new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California.
With De Ridder's incredible accomplishments in his old promotion, the Dutch fighter has high expectations for himself, and he is okay with taking his time as he climbs up the ladder.
However, he does have his eyes set on the top of the division, which consists of several former champions and, of course, top contender Khamzat Chimaev - but De Ridder isn't sold on the undefeated fighter even after his ruthless submission win over Robert Whittaker (watch it).
"I don't know if [Chimaev wins the belt]," De Ridder told media during UFC 311 media day (watch here). "You guys were all hyped on his fight with Robert Whittaker and how he did. And he did good. He shot in and got to his back, but it didn't tell me too much, to be honest. Because that wasn't a real choke, right? The position was that great and there was apparently an injury that Robert had already. So, I don't know. I don't know."
"The Dutch Knight" can spin it however he wants, but Chimaev's quick domination of Whittaker was absolutely insane and very impressive.
Sure, there might still be questions about his cardio, but if all things fall into place, "Borz" will fight for the Middleweight championship later this year, and maybe the fanbase will get to see his gas tank.
Remember that MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 311 fight card right here, starting with the ESPN+/ESPNEWS "Prelims" matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 311: "Makhachev vs. Tsarukyan 2" news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here.
