Top-ranked UFC light heavyweight contender Reinier de Ridder was called out by Lucas Fernando following his victory at UFC Vegas 124.
Lucas Fernando Calls Out Reinier de Ridder
Fernando defeated Billy Elekana via unanimous decision on the UFC Vegas 124 main card to improve to a 2-0 record in the UFC, following a knockout win over Rafael Tobias in his promotional debut earlier this year at UFC 330. Now, Fernando wants a significant step up in competition against a ranked opponent in de Ridder.
Speaking to reporters after the event, as reported by sports.yahoo.com via MMAjunkie.com, Fernando named the top contender as his preferred next opponent. “There is a name I see as a very interesting matchup for me, and it’s a fight that would grab the public’s attention. He is a guy who is ranked pretty far ahead. I know I’m just getting started here, but a fight I would really like to have is against Reinier de Ridder. He’s a tough opponent, but I didn’t come here to play around. We came here to fight the biggest and the best. I think it would be highly interesting. He’s a guy who looks for the grappling, but he can also strike. I think that with a good game plan, I have what it takes to go out there and finish that fight,” Fernando stated.
Lucas Fernando Open to Whatever UFC Wants
Although de Ridder is his ideal choice for his next walk to the Octagon, Fernando remains open to facing anyone selected by UFC matchmakers. He noted that achieving a knockout might have immediately secured him a bigger test, but he leaves the final decision to officials Mick Maynard and Hunter Campbell.
“It took me a long time just to get to the UFC. But now that I’m finally here, I want to use every performance to prove that I didn’t get here by accident and that I belong. I think if I had gotten the knockout tonight, the UFC probably would have given me (a bigger) test right away. But let’s see what they think. We will see what Mick Maynard and Hunter Campbell say. Either way, I’m going to go back to the gym, keep working hard, and whatever challenge the UFC brings next, I’ll be ready for it,” Fernando said.
