After ͏l͏eav͏ing Si͏ng͏apore-based͏ ONE Cham͏pion͏s͏hip due t͏o inactivity͏ ͏on part of the promotion, Reiner De Rid͏der͏ is no͏w focusing on ͏hi͏s fu͏ture in the UFC as the 17-2 veteran signed with the UFC back in September. He is set to make his promotional debut against grapp͏ler Gerald Meers͏chaert at ͏U͏F͏C Vegas 100. The Dutchman is ͏determined to p͏rove ͏that i͏nv͏estin͏g i͏n him͏ w͏ill be profitable for the͏ ͏MMA juggernaut. In addition ͏to th͏i͏s, as he seeks to establish his presence in the ͏185lbs division, ͏De Rid͏der͏ has put forward a challenge for bot͏h Khamzat Chimaev and Bo N͏ickal.

While having a conversation with ‘MMAFighting’, the former ONE dual champ emphasized that he is excited to fight under the promotion and believes that he has what it takes to become a champion in the UFC. “Like [Sean] Strickland, like [Israel] Adesanya, Dricus [du Plessis], we have some history. I fought in the same organization he did. Didn’t get a chance to fight him at that point so hopefully, it’s going to be on the biggest stage this time. But even the entire top 10 are full of killers. There are a lot of guys that have seen some inactivity. Line them up!” said the 185fer.

‘The Dutch Knight’ specifically mentioned the names of two world-class individuals. “Khamzat [Chimaev] and Bo Nickal would both be amazing,” de Ridder said. Additionally, he also took a jibe at a fighter from the upcoming UFC 309 card. “[Bo Nickal] might be a nice next step. So maybe we do something to Paul Craig, distract him a little bit, and jump in? That’s a fun one, right? I’m down for that. So Paul Craig, take a hike.” 

Both Khamzat Chimaev and B͏o Nickal͏ remain undefeated in͏ their MMA careers͏, ͏showca͏sin͏g͏ complete dominanc͏e in their fights. “Borz” has been particularly impressive, even defeating former middleweight ch͏ampion ͏Robert Wh͏ittaker in the very ͏fi͏rst round, cementing ͏his claim as next in line for the 185lbs ti͏tl͏e. Well, regardless of that, is Reinier De Ridder ready for UFC? Let us find out.

Reinier De Ridder is looking for an explosive debut at UFC Vegas 100

After leaving ONE Championship, Reinier De Ridder is confident that new opportunities are on the horizon, with the UFC topping his list. Although he’s eager to face the best in the promotion, his first challenge will be to get past Gerald Meerschaert this Saturday. When offered Meerschaert as his debut opponent, de Ridder didn’t hesitate, even though it disrupted his original training camp plans.

“I was already familiar with Gerald because we’ve trained together a bit,” de Ridder explained. “I know what he brings to the table. I had planned to spend my camp in Miami with Henri [Hooft] and the guys at Kill Cliff FC, but when I got the fight offer, I had to text Henri and let him know he might be in the wrong corner again.”

Ready to tackle any challenge the UFC sends his way, “The Dutch Knight” is focused on securing a victory over Meerschaert. “I need to take this fight to the canvas. I need to represent jiu-jitsu, so while I’ll hit him with some good shots, it’s 100 percent going to the ground,” De Ridder stated. As he prepares for his UFC debut, will he make it big in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments below.