Unbeaten middleweight contender Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder of the Netherlands is set to challenge Myanmar’s “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang for the ONE Middleweight World Title. Engelen is a huge fan of both individuals, but believes his countryman has what it takes to cause a massive upset.

 

“First of all, I know these two fighters personally, and I like them both. They’re both really awesome guys, pretty much like everyone on the roster, to be honest. Aung La is a really awesome guy. I’ve met Reinier a few times as well, also a really cool guy,” said Engelen.

 

“I do think Reinier has a good chance to win.”

 

De Ridder and Aung La square off in the main event of ONE: INSIDE THE MATRIX, which broadcasts live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore on Oct.30. It is one of four World Title showdowns in a single night of action.

 

Engelen feels de Ridder’s mat skills will play a big role in this fight, but that his countryman should not count Aung La out, by any means.

 

“I must say, I was really impressed to see Reinier defeat his former opponents in really good fashion. Not only through his strong jujitsu and his ground work, but even with his striking as well. Obviously, jujitsu is Reinier’s biggest strength. So he will have to rely more on that,” said Engelen.

 

“At the same time, Aung La is just a totally awesome guy. He’s always happy, always positive, always takes photos with his fans -- he’s just loved by everyone. And aside from that, he’s such an awesome fighter -- super well-rounded, super technical. He’s a two-division world champion as well. I mean, of course, he’s the favorite.”

 

Engelen, a Dutch-Indonesian martial arts athlete, is no stranger to the inner workings of the ONE Circle. “The Archangel” is a veteran of the fight game, having faced some of Asia’s biggest names throughout his career.

 

Analyzing the match closely, Engelen feels that “The Dutch Knight” should try to avoid trading strikes with a powerful striker in Aung La, and should concentrate on dictating where the action takes place, preferably on the ground.

 

“Reinier’s strength is definitely his ground game. I do think he has the upper hand when it comes to jujitsu, in comparison to Aung La. Aung La will definitely have better striking. In a way, it’s going to be striker versus grappler. But that being said, they are also both very well-rounded,” said Engelen.

 

“If I was Reinier, I would try to soften him up a little bit with punches. Make Aung La swing a few times, then duck under and go for a takedown and try to finish it on the floor. It’s not going to be easy, because Aung La is tough as nails. But the goal should be to outwork him on the floor.”