UFC, Khamzat Chimaev
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Reinier de Ridder had designs on some time off after his win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi but now he’s actually targeting a much quicker turnaround with hopes that he could face new middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev sooner than later.
Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) dominated and outgrappled Dricus Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) to claim the middleweight title in Saturday's UFC 319 headliner at United Center in Chicago. Usman was one of the few fighters to pick Chimaev to win.
Khamzat Chimaev sets sights on Reinier De Ridder, aiming to defend his championship in a thrilling first title defense clash.
Dricus du Plessis was unable to produce a substantial rally late in the fight because he was frequently taken down and controlled by his challenger. There is one contender in the middleweight division who some believe will have a better chance of dealing with the new champion’s elite wrestling.
Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan was in Khamzat Chimaev’s corner at UFC 319, guiding his friend and training partner to a middleweight title victory. It was sheer domination, but not exactly the most exciting fight.
On the latest episode of "Spinning Back Clique" our expert panelists review Khamzat Chimaev's big title win, PFL results and more.
The coach of Makhachev and Khabib is not the only prominent name defending Chimaev’s approach in the aftermath of UFC 319.
Former UFC champion Sean Strickland believes he’s the man to beat Khamzat Chimaev, and he plans on working his way back into the middleweight title picture to prove it. Khamzat Chimaev seized the 185 pound strap from Dricus du Plessis,