Anatoly Malykhin, the two-division ONE champion, told Telecomasia.net in an exclusive interview that his former rival, Reinier De Ridder, won’t be able to beat UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Anatoly Malykhin exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
I gave a lot of energy to my fights with De Ridder. Those fights cost me dearly. I know how good this guy is. Especially in the second fight when he weighed 93 kg. I felt his power and strength. Although his chances were slim because my motivation was off the charts. But back then I said Reinier wouldn’t get lost in any other league. And he proved that. I’m happy for him. He’s in a good position in the UFC, but right now Khamzat Chimaev can’t be defeated.
To recall, in August 2025, Chimaev, 31, defeated Dricus du Plessis and claimed the UFC middleweight title. His record stands at 15 wins and no losses.
De Ridder, 35, moved to the UFC after two losses to Malykhin and has since won five consecutive fights. His record is 21 wins and two losses.
