MMA News: Reinier De Ridder Claims Kiamrian Abbasov Stands No Match Against Him

Two-weight ONE champion Reinier De Ridder is set to defend his middleweight title against welterweight king Kiamrian Abbasov on Friday, February 25 at ONE: Full Circle and has some choice words for his first challenger.

De Ridder was very complimentary of Abbasov’s skills and willingness to move up in weight class to challenge him, but he was very clear that the Kyrgyz may have bitten off more than he can chew.

“It’s something I tip my hat to. It’s a big step up for him. He’s (Kiamrian Abbasov) a lot shorter than I am, so hats off for trying,” said de Ridder.

“I’m not underestimating him. I see his technique is crisp. I see he’s got championship heart. But once I get a hold of that neck, I’ll finish anybody in the world.”

The middleweight and light heavyweight champion has remained undefeated in 14 professional fights with nine submission victories to his name.

“The Dutch Knight” took both of Myanmar superstar Aung La N Sang’s belts on two separate occasions--by submission for the middleweight belt in their first meeting and via unanimous decision for the light heavyweight title.

Since that time, de Ridder has been waiting for an opponent worthy enough of stepping up to the challenge that he possesses and Abbasov looks to be the first man to solve the puzzle.

Abbasov was quick to claim earlier in the week that de Ridder will follow in the footsteps of the men that sought to defeat him, declaring that they “either got knocked out or lost on points.”

For de Ridder, Abbasov has nothing special that will threaten his reign since the middleweight champion’s height and reach advantage gives him enough room to be creative enough with his attacks.

The 31-year-old from the Netherlands is confident in predicting that it will be a short night for his opponent as he aims for a quick finish.

“I see myself passing the guard pretty easily, and getting the side choke at the end of the first or beginning of the second round. But he might come out guns blazing, and I might be able to take him out on the feet as well. I want to finish him as quickly as possible,” de Ridder declared.

ONE: Full Circle will be streaming live on the ONE Super App and the official ONE Championship YouTube channel at 6:00 PM SGT (5:00 AM ET in the United States) on Friday, February 25.