Famous MMA manager Ali Abderaziz publicly criticized Matt Hume, senior vice president of competition at the One Championship, for his handling of Reinier de Ridder during De Ridder’s tenure as the organization’s two division champion.
Ali Abderaziz hits one championship Matt Hume
Ali Abderaziz accused Hume of destroying De Ridar’s career, arguing that Hume’s management practices within one championship were harmful to fighter jets. Abderaziz described Hume as someone who “damaged the careers of so many people,” claiming Blackball and unfair treatment, and de Ridder said he was in a “very bad situation” during the promotion. Speaking to MMA junkie Mike Bohn, Abdelaziz explained.
“To be honest, (Reinier de Ridder) has become one of my favourites. He is a very nice, humble, a lovely man and a good family man. He was in a very bad situation with FC in a very ugly situation. One day, I will talk about it.”
Matt Hume has been a key executive in one championship since 2012, overseeing the competitive and regulatory aspects of the organization. He was originally appointed principal when one championship was established in 2011, and soon moved to executive leadership positions, shaping the organization’s rules and matchmaking. Ali Abderaziz continued:
“The biggest skan bag in MMA history, Matt Hume. I can tell this 100%. And I will hold it. I have all the evidence. He is a very bad guy and he has almost ruined this man’s life. But when you have no plans, did God always have plans?
“He’s one of the biggest scumbags I’ve seen on the planet. I think FC would be a much better place without this guy. He ruined the careers of so many people. He blacked out people. He’s all wrong. (Reinier de Ridder’s) Career. I really did.
“I’m not directing this to the whole promotion. I’m directing this to the individual. Just to be clear. He and his staff – they’re just terrible people.”
Reinier de Ridder, who previously held titles in two divisions in one championship, later left the organization and joined the UFC. Since his UFC debut late last year, De Ridder has edited three straight finishes, and most recently defeated Bo Nickal in the UFC on ESPN 67. De Ridder’s UFC’s rapid rise comes from some to Ali Abdelaziz’s management, with fans noting that De Ridder has been in high-view battle and quickly established himself as a candidate for the division.
When Reinier de Ridder was the undefeated champion in two divisions, Dutch grapplers often complained that he wasn’t getting enough matches. De Ridder was the dominant champion on his own, but his move to the UFC has been marked by increased activity and famous matchups, with some observers crediting the influence of Ali Abdelaziz and the UFC’s promotional structure.