Reinier de Ridder Gives Magomed Ankalaev Rare Praise Despite Fan Backlash

Ever since his grudge match against Alex Pereira at UFC 320, Magomed Ankalaev has not exactly been a fan favorite. On the contrary, the Russian’s name tends to bring out criticism, arguments over his “lackluster” fighting style, and plenty of frustration after his latest setbacks. 

When Reinier de Ridder was asked about the best fighters at light heavyweight, his answer stood out. The Dutchman didn't dance around it or play to the crowd. Instead, he gave “Big Ank” a compliment that has become increasingly rare these days, calling him one of the most skilled fighters in the sport.

Reinier de Ridder Praises Magomed Ankalaev Despite the Hate

Former UFC light heavyweight titleholder Magomed Ankalaev has spent plenty of time on the receiving end of criticism from fans, particularly after his dull performance against Bogdan Guskov. The 34-year-old's style has often drawn ire, while his inability to recapture the undisputed 205-pound title has only added fuel to the conversation.

However, de Ridder isn't buying the idea that Ankalaev is anything less than elite. Speaking about the current landscape at 205, RDR offered a surprisingly strong assessment of the Dagestani fighter.

During a recent exclusive to Full Mount MMA, de Ridder said, “There’s a lot of very skilled guys at the top, I think, at Light Heavyweight. Like, we give him a lot of s***, but (Magomed) Ankalaev is one of the most skilled fighters in any weight class, I think.”

The former ONE FC two-division champ wasn't simply calling Ankalaev one of the better fighters at 205 pounds. He placed him among the most technically gifted fighters across the entire UFC roster. In hindsight, that take is particularly interesting coming from RDR, who has spent considerable time around the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions and has faced some of the best fighters in the sport.

He also acknowledged the disconnect between Ankalaev's ability and the way he is viewed by the wider UFC audience.

“Like all the fighters and all the fans hate on him. For the last performance, I think,” de Ridder said. “But no, I think he is one of the most skilled guys.”

Reinier de Ridder Sees Plenty of New Blood Coming to 205

The Dutchman's comments also come at an interesting time for the UFC light heavyweight division. Not more than a month ago, he made it clear that his future is at 205 pounds after spending much of his UFC run competing at middleweight.

After fighting four times last year and dealing with the physical toll of repeatedly making 185 pounds, de Ridder decided it was time for a change. “205 is my home,” he previously said. He will return to the light heavyweight division against Roman Dolidze at UFC Fight Night 285 on Aug. 22. It will be his first fight at 205 pounds since making the move permanent.

de Ridder believes he is joining a division that could look very different over the next few years. “There’s a lot of middleweights coming up right now with me,” he said, pointing to the influx of talent moving north, incuding the recent LHW debut of his former opponent Robert Whittaker. “So there will be a lot more new blood at 205 for the next couple of years.”

Future Bright at 205 in UFC, de Ridder Not Sold on Prochazka as Best of the Class

That could make for an interesting future at light heavyweight. Overall, Ankalaev remains one of the most technically accomplished names in the division, while Carlos Ulberg (champion), Jiri Prochazka, and others are fighting to establish themselves at the top. de Ridder now wants his own name in that conversation.

Interestingly, he has already made it clear he doesn't consider Prochazka the best fighter at 205. When asked to choose between Prochazka and Ankalaev, de Ridder picked Ankalaev without hesitation and predicted that Ankalaev would beat Ulberg.

Fans might not fully agree with him. But that's precisely what makes his praise of Ankalaev so notable. While much of the conversation around the Russian has focused on what he hasn't accomplished, de Ridder is looking at something else: the skill set. And in his eyes, Ankalaev still belongs among the very best.