Two-division mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Reinier de Ridder will be defending his middleweight title against Vitaly Bigdash in the headlining fight of ONE 159 later this month.
One fighter eagerly watching from the sidelines is Burmese superstar and former two-division titleholder .
broke down the upcoming matchup for one of the belts that he once held.
“It’s going to be a good fight. They’re both very good competitors. I’m excited for it, and I’m very familiar with both of them. I’ve spent, what, one to two hours [competing] with them? It’s an exciting matchup for me, and I’m really looking forward to who’s going to win that one,” he said.
“The Burmese Python” carries with him the distinction of being the second fighter to simultaneously hold two world titles in ONE Championship before he was dethroned on two separate occasions by de Ridder.
He has faced off with both men in the past and credited the champion for how he utilizes his range and grappling while noting that the challenger’s strength and ground game were going to be a major headache for de Ridder.
When asked for his comments about who the winner will be, could not choose a definitive answer just yet.
“This is a very, very close fight. I can’t really [give a prediction]. It’s a coin toss because if RDR (Reinier de Ridder) is on point, and if he’s able to close the distance real quick and get on top, I don’t think Bigdash would be able to fight him off because he will stick to him like glue,” he mentioned.
“And vice-versa, if Bigdash is on top, I don’t see RDR sweeping him or submitting him from the bottom. It really depends on who’s able to impose their game plan.”
was also quick to note that the fight will fully be in Bigdash’s favor if they keep it standing, but it will swing towards de Ridder if he can somehow land a takedown.
Bigdash was able to get his shot at de Ridder after defeating by unanimous decision at ONE: Full Circle last February.
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ONE 159 will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on July 22 at 6:00 PM SGT (6:00 AM ET).
Reinier de Ridder
Photo: ONE Championship photo
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