Dutch giant slams Jiri Prochazka's personality and praises Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC light heavyweight division.

Jiri Prochazka and Magomed Ankalaev are standouts in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Reinier de Ridder is not convinced that Jiri Prochazka 's eccentric personality is a significant factor enough to discredit him in the title race. With his move to the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg) confirmed, the Dutch giant pointed to Magomed Ankalaev as the biggest challenge in the category, while also directing criticism at the 'Czech samurai'.

In an interview with the 'MMA Full Mount' channel, De Ridder stated that he doesn't consider Prochazka the top name in the division. In the Dutchman's view, Ankalaev holds that position and would even have an advantage in a potential fight against champion Carlos Ulberg.

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"Definitely (the best light heavyweight) isn't Jiri. It's Ankalaev, yes. I think in a fight between Ankalaev and Carlos Ulberg , Ankalaev will win," said De Ridder.

Furthermore, the former ONE FC champion expressed discomfort with Prochazka's demeanor outside the octagon, feeling that the 'samurai' image conveyed by the Czech fighter sounds artificial.

“Jiri catches my attention in the wrong way, with the ninja thing. He seems so fake. That’s not my type. I met him in Los Angeles,” concluded the Dutch giant.

Reinier de Ridder seeks to reinvent himself in the UFC

De Ridder celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Courtesy of Facebook/UFC

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After securing four victories in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), Reinier de Ridder began to face difficulties with weight cutting, a factor that contributed to a sequence of two negative results. Faced with this scenario, the Dutch giant opted to change weight classes and already has a new challenge ahead: he is scheduled to face Roman Dolidze in his light heavyweight debut at UFC Sacramento on August 22nd.

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