De Ridder's Fury: 'Big Let Down' as Champion Slams Rival for Missed Super-Fight

ONE Championship's dominant light heavyweight king, Reinier de Ridder, has candidly expressed his profound disappointment following the collapse of a highly anticipated bout, openly criticizing rival Anatoly Malykhin for what he perceives as a missed opportunity. The Dutchman, known for his calm demeanor and exceptional grappling, didn't hold back, labeling the situation a "big let down" and directly calling out Malykhin for allegedly sidestepping a monumental clash.

De Ridder had been eagerly anticipating a showdown that promised not only a stern test but also significant prestige.

However, circumstances led to Malykhin's unavailability, forcing a last-minute change that has left the champion feeling less than thrilled about his upcoming assignment. "It’s a big let down," De Ridder stated, his frustration palpable. "This was the fight that truly excited me, the one I had prepared for mentally and physically, knowing the challenge it presented."

The 'Dutch Knight' made it clear that the replacement fight, while still a professional obligation, simply doesn't carry the same weight or generate the same level of excitement as the one that slipped away.

For a champion who consistently seeks to test his limits against the best, the change represents a significant downgrade in terms of perceived challenge and stakes.

His most pointed remarks were reserved for Malykhin. De Ridder believes his rival actively chose not to engage, a decision that has fueled his ire.

"He didn't want to take the fight," De Ridder asserted, pulling back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes dynamics. "He said yes, and then he pulled out. This fight would have proven who the best truly is, and he decided to step away from that opportunity. It's truly disappointing when a fellow champion doesn't step up to the plate."

De Ridder’s frustration isn't merely about the opponent; it's about the principle of championship legacy and the pursuit of greatness.

He envisions himself consistently facing the toughest opposition, and the perceived avoidance by Malykhin has clearly stung. While he remains committed to his next fight, the shadow of the 'big let down' looms large, leaving fans and the champion himself wondering what could have been. The mixed martial arts world now awaits De Ridder's next performance, undoubtedly with an added layer of intrigue given his raw and honest assessment of the situation.