Reinier de Ridder, famously known as "The Dutch Knight," is set to turn a new page in his mixed martial arts career. After a successful tenure with ONE Championship, de Ridder has now joined UAE Warriors, ready to showcase his skills on a new platform.
De Ridder (16-2) will make his highly anticipated debut against Magomedmurad Khasaev on July 27 in Abu Dhabi. This light heavyweight contest promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both fighters bring impressive records and fighting styles to the cage.
De Ridder's journey in the ONE Championship was nothing short of spectacular. Between 2019 and 2022, he secured seven consecutive victories, dominating the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. His victories over renowned fighters like Aung La N Sang, Vitaly Bigdash, and Kiamrian Abbasov through submission moves solidified his reputation as a top contender. Despite his recent losses to Anatoly Malykhin, de Ridder's legacy in Asia remains strong.
Standing across from de Ridder will be Magomedmurad Khasaev (6-1), a fighter known for his knockout prowess. Khasaev's record speaks for itself, with all his victories coming via knockout. His impressive performance in his ONE debut against Arash Mardani in 2023 showcased his striking abilities. Although he faced a setback against Agilan Thani, Khasaev's determination and power make him a formidable opponent.
UAE Warriors 51, airing live on UFC Fight Pass, promises an action-packed night. In addition to de Ridder vs. Khasaev, the event features a lightweight title defense by Amru Magomedov against Ali Kabdulla. Magomedov, a teammate of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, adds further star power to the card.
The excitement doesn't end there. The following day, UAE Warriors 52: Arabia 14 will take place in Abu Dhabi, headlined by Kevin Oumar vs. Mohamed Juma.
As de Ridder prepares to make his debut in UAE Warriors, fans eagerly anticipate what "The Dutch Knight" will bring to the cage. With his impressive track record and undeniable talent, this fight on July 27 is set to be a highlight of the MMA calendar.
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