FridayOL

Reinier de Ridder, the reigning ONE Championship middleweight champion, has emphatically dismissed Paulo Costa’s recent callout, stating the Brazilian isn’t even on his radar. The exchange highlights a growing trend in MMA where fighters publicly vie for opportunities, but De Ridder isn't interested in the theatrics.

Costa, known for his aggressive style and outspoken personality, has been actively seeking a fight with De Ridder. He's made several public calls, hoping to generate buzz and secure a shot at the title. However, De Ridder’s response was blunt and dismissive, emphasizing that Costa's words hold no weight with him.

“It would lead to a nice press conference and a nice build-up, but I don’t give a f*ck what he says,” De Ridder stated unequivocally. “You can call me whatever you want to call me.”

De Ridder's reasoning goes beyond mere disinterest. He believes Costa is simply not at his level, a sentiment that reflects De Ridder's current dominance in the middleweight division. De Ridder has consistently demonstrated a high level of skill, grappling prowess, and strategic acumen. His victories against top contenders have solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with.

The Dutch champion isn't focused on chasing name recognition or entertaining the fans with manufactured rivalries. Instead, he's laser-focused on defending his title and facing opponents who genuinely pose a threat to his reign. He's prioritizing quality matchups over spectacle, a strategy that has served him well thus far.

Costa, meanwhile, finds himself in a somewhat precarious position. After a dominant win over former champion Sherif Mohamed, he needs to continue to build momentum to earn a title shot. Calling out De Ridder was a calculated move to gain attention, but De Ridder's rejection presents a challenge for Costa to find a suitable opponent and prove his worth.

The situation raises questions about the future of both fighters. Will Costa continue to pursue De Ridder, or will he pivot to other opportunities? And will De Ridder remain impervious to Costa's calls, or will the Brazilian’s persistence eventually wear him down? Only time will tell, but for now, De Ridder’s message is clear: Paulo Costa isn't a priority.

De Ridder's comments underscore a larger conversation within MMA about the balance between entertainment and genuine competition. While promotional hype and rivalries are certainly important, fighters like De Ridder are increasingly prioritizing the quality of their opponents and the integrity of the sport. His stance is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his unwavering focus on defending his championship.