De Ridder, often dubbed as ‘The Dutch Knight,’ leaves no room for ambiguity as he lays out his approach to secure victory in the high-stakes bout. Reflecting on his previous encounter with Malykhin, where he suffered his first professional defeat, de Ridder emphasizes the importance of avoiding Malykhin’s power shots.
“It’s simple: Don’t get hit. Have some fun. Kick him a couple of times. Hit him a couple of times. Take him down, choke him out. I love it,” de Ridder remarked, exuding confidence in his ability to execute his game plan flawlessly.
Redemption on the Line: De Ridder’s Quest for Vindication
For de Ridder, the rematch against Malykhin represents more than just reclaiming his title—it’s about redemption. The loss to Malykhin served as a wake-up call for the former two-division world champion, prompting him to reevaluate his approach and make necessary adjustments.
“I’m very happy that it’s Malykhin again. Very happy that it’s a chance to redeem myself, which is the most important thing. It’s about me getting back on this last fight. It’s about me redeeming myself. It’s about redemption,” de Ridder emphasized.
A Year of Preparation: De Ridder’s Journey Back to the Top
In the aftermath of his loss to Malykhin, de Ridder embarked on a journey of self-improvement and growth. Retreating from the limelight, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to refining his skills and rectifying the deficiencies that led to his defeat. Over the past year, de Ridder has immersed himself in a rigorous training regimen, guided by his coaches and supported by his training partners.

With redemption as his driving force, de Ridder left no stone unturned in his preparation for the rematch. Every aspect of his game has been scrutinized and fine-tuned, from his technique to his conditioning and mental resilience. The Dutch fighter’s unwavering determination and relentless work ethic have been evident in his pursuit of excellence.
As he gears up to face Malykhin once again, de Ridder stands poised to showcase the results of his arduous training and preparation. With his eyes firmly set on redemption, he enters the octagon with renewed confidence and a burning desire to emerge victorious.
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An Anticipated Showdown: Fans Await the Rematch of the Year
As the days draw closer to ONE 166: Qatar, the excitement surrounding the rematch between de Ridder and Malykhin intensifies, capturing the attention of MMA enthusiasts worldwide. The prospect of witnessing these two formidable competitors face off once again has generated a palpable buzz within the MMA community.
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With both fighters driven by the desire for redemption and the opportunity to seize the middleweight title, anticipation for their showdown continues to mount. Fans eagerly await the moment when de Ridder and Malykhin step into the octagon to settle their score and etch their names in the annals of MMA history.
As the spotlight shines on de Ridder, the pressure is on for him to deliver a performance worthy of his stature as a top-tier fighter. With the middleweight title hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the Dutch knight as he endeavors to reclaim his throne and reaffirm his status as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
