Reinier de Ridder wants an active champion at middleweight.
Khamzat Chimaev (14-0) will challenge Dricus Du Plessis (23-2) for the title in the UFC 319 headliner on Aug. 16 at United Center in Chicago. Ridder (21-2) believes Chimaev’s stardom will skyrocket if he dethrones du Plessis. However, Ridder is concerned about potential inactivity from Chimaev that could follow. Ridder would rather that du Plessis defend his title successfully, and fight him sometime soon.
"If Khamzat wins this one, especially if he wins it decisively, he'll be a huge name, and that might come with him taking a lot of time off after,” De Ridder told MMA Fighting.