The Stars Predict Reinier De Ridder Vs. Vitaly Bigdash World Title Fight At ONE 159
A massive ONE Middleweight World Title clash is scheduled to headline the action this Friday, July 22.
In the main event of ONE 159, undefeated two-division ONE World Champion Reinier de Ridder will defend his middleweight belt against former titleholder Vitaly Bigdash.
De Ridder is a judo and BJJ black belt who’s been unstoppable in his MMA career thus far.
“The Dutch Knight” owns a flawless 15-0 record, holds an 87 percent finishing rate, and most recently demolished ONE Welterweight World Champion Kiamrian Abbasov to maintain his double-champ status at middleweight and light heavyweight.
But the defending king might be facing his stiffest challenge yet in Bigdash. The mighty Russian holds a 12-2 professional record, possesses an 83 percent finishing rate, and could threaten the Dutch grappler with his dangerous combination of wrestling ability and knockout power.
Ahead of this titanic showdown at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, ONE Championship’s biggest superstars make their predictions.
Adriano Moraes
“Vitaly Bigdash is a very tough Russian fighter, but if Reinier de Ridder manages to impose his pressure with jiu-jitsu, I believe he can submit and defend his title. But it will be a good fight. Bigdash is a striker, but he also has very strong wrestling. But like I said, if Reinier de Ridder manages to impose his jiu-jitsu game, he can finish this fight. I don’t know how it will play out, but I believe Reinier de Ridder will submit him around the third round.”
Martin Nguyen
“I think the champ gets it done. Although Vitaly Bigdash has much better striking than Reinier de Ridder, the Dutchman always finds a way not to get hit and plays his wrestling and jiu-jitsu game really well. I think Reinier’s long limbs and very awkward striking will set up his body-lock takedowns and wear Bigdash out late for a submission finish in the championship rounds.”
Christian Lee
“Reinier, he’s just really at the top of his game. Between middleweight and light heavyweight, I don’t see too many guys who will be able to stop his takedown and defend from his submissions over five rounds. So, I think it’s going to be a real tough fight for Bigdash. There’s a chance that he can defend the takedowns, keep it standing, and have a good performance. But I would favor Reinier getting a submission win.”
Angela Lee
“You know what? I’m going to place a bet on Bigdash. I’ve been watching him fight since I joined the company, and yeah, I’ll be rooting for him.”
Thanh Le
“I am definitely going to lean toward RDR. I think his grappling is just too high-level for the matchup. I think he ends up getting the takedown and getting him toward the back.”
Ariel Sexton
“I would say RDR. Because he’s got two belts, he’s looking pretty tough. I wouldn’t be betting against him. I think he’s there for a reason, and I could see him winning again. [I could see him] winning in the first round, probably.”
Leandro Ataides
“It’s five rounds, so I’ll have a look by each round. I guess De Ridder has a chance to submit Vitaly in the first two rounds, but if it goes to the third round, I think Vitaly can beat him because he’s used to fighting for the five rounds. If the fight is going to four or five rounds, I think Bigdash will win, but if he doesn’t do anything in the first, second, or third, then De Ridder can submit him very quick. That’s my opinion for this fight.”
Julie Mezabarba
“I believe that Reinier has better momentum. He’s on the rise. That’s why I believe that Reinier will have more rhythm and will put out a higher volume of blows in this fight. I predict Reinier’s victory by decision.”
Arjan Bhullar
“I think it’s going to be a good fight between De Ridder and Bigdash. I think they’re both talented in their own expertise. Like De Ridder’s primarily a grappler and Bigdash’s primarily a striker, so it’s a clash of styles.
“It’s going to come down to whoever can impose their style on the other person. If it’s primarily a grappling match, chances are that De Ridder comes out on top. If it stays standing and they’re swinging and it drags on, it’s Bigdash. So, it’s going to come down to who’s more well-rounded to keep it in their space and in their style. and who’s able to impose that.
“Yeah, De Ridder has said my name, and so have many other people. That comes with the territory. When you’re king of the mountain and you have the gold, people are going to have your name in their mouths. That’s the way it works. Hopefully, he wins his match here. Selfishly, on my end, I’ll take care of my business and then we’ll see what happens after that. I’d love to see him after my fight.”
