Reinier de Ridder’s days within the UFC middleweight division are actually over.
“RDR” returned to motion at UFC 326 final weekend towards Caio Borralho, the place he was largely overwhelmed by the Brazilian’s crisp putting and well-timed grappling responses. Though de Ridder managed to seek out transient moments of success, he struggled to generate constant offense and absorbed the larger share of injury, finally suffering a unanimous decision defeat.
This setback marked the second consecutive loss for de Ridder, who entered the bout coming off a defeat to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver in October, the place he was pressured to retire on the stool after 4 grueling rounds.
“RDR” made his promotional debut in November 2024 and shortly made an impression on the middleweight division, placing the roster on discover inside a 12 months by stringing collectively a four-fight successful streak that included notable victories over Kevin Holland, Bo Nickal, and former champion Robert Whittaker.
Now it seems that Reinier de Ridder is now not keen to place his physique by way of the grind of cutting down to the 185-pound restrict.
Reinier de Ridder Treats Teammates With Donuts Whereas Declaring Transfer To Mild Heavyweight
On Wednesday morning, Reinier de Ridder shared a video on Instagram exhibiting him handing out donuts to his teammates at Kill Cliff FC, accompanied by the caption, “Drowning my sorrow in donuts and BIG NEWS.”
“RDR” jokingly instructed his coaching companions that the treats had been meant to maintain them “heavy and powerful,” earlier than revealing that he plans to maneuver as much as the UFC’s gentle heavyweight division. Regardless of the defeat to Caio Borralho at UFC 326, de Ridder added that he was nonetheless glad along with his general efficiency.
Nonetheless, a transfer to the UFC’s 205-pound division received’t be unfamiliar territory for Reinier de Ridder. The 35-year-old Dutchman beforehand competed at each gentle heavyweight and heavyweight throughout his time with ONE Championship, the place he additionally captured the promotion’s middleweight and light heavyweight titles.
“RDR” at the moment holds knowledgeable document of 21–4, together with a 4–2 run within the UFC. Of his 21 victories, de Ridder has secured 18 by the use of end, with 5 coming by knockout and 13 by submission.
