Gilbert Burns Tabs Reinier de Ridder as Khamzat Chimaev’s Toughest Test at Middleweight

De Ridder faces short-notice replacement Brendan Allen on Oct. 18 in Vancouver in a bout viewed as a springboard to a title shot.

Overview

Burns said on the Buiten De Kooi podcast that de Ridder has the best chance to beat Chimaev, pointing to size and elite jiu-jitsu.
The Brazilian contender previously went three rounds with Chimaev at UFC 273 and now trains with de Ridder at Kill Cliff FC.
Burns added that Chimaev’s jiu-jitsu coach shared the view that de Ridder would be the champion’s hardest matchup.
Chimaev remains unbeaten after UFC 319, where he took Dricus du Plessis down 12 times and logged more than 21 minutes of control.
De Ridder headlines UFC Fight Night 262 against Brendan Allen at Rogers Arena on Oct. 18, a result that could strengthen his claim to challenge for Chimaev’s first defense.