Reinier de Ridder’s time within the UFC middleweight division is over.
“RDR” returned to motion final weekend towards Caio Boralho at UFC 326, the place he was overwhelmed by the Brazilian’s sharp strikes and well-timed grappling. Though de Ridder had fleeting moments of success, he struggled to generate constant assaults, absorbed extra harm, and in the end suffered a unanimous determination loss.
The setback was De Ridder’s second straight loss. De Ridder entered the battle after dropping to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver in October, however was compelled to retire on a stool after 4 grueling rounds.
“RDR” made his promotional debut in November 2024 and instantly made an impression on the middleweight division, racking up 4 straight wins that included notable wins over Kevin Holland, Bo Knickal, and former champion Robert Whittaker, and gaining consideration on the roster inside a 12 months.
Now, it seems like Reinier de Ridder is now not keen to place his physique by way of the difficulty of reducing weight right down to the 185-pound restrict.
Reinier de Ridder treats teammates to donuts whereas saying his transfer to gentle heavyweight
On Wednesday morning, Reinier de Ridder posted a video on Instagram of himself handing out donuts to his Kill Cliff FC teammates, with the caption: “Doughnuts and massive information to drown your sorrows.”
“RDR” jokingly instructed his coaching companions that the treats had been meant to maintain him “heavy and powerful,” earlier than revealing that he supposed to maneuver as much as the UFC’s gentle heavyweight division. Regardless of dropping to Caio Boralho at UFC 326, de Ridder added that he was nonetheless glad together with his total efficiency.
Nonetheless, a transfer to the UFC’s 205-pound division wouldn’t be unfamiliar territory for Reinier de Ridder. The 35-year-old Dutchman competed in each the sunshine heavyweight and heavyweight divisions throughout his time with ONE Championship, and likewise gained the group’s middleweight and lightweight heavyweight titles.
“RDR” at the moment holds an expert document of 21 wins and 4 losses, together with 4 wins and a pair of losses within the UFC. Of De Ridder’s 21 wins, 18 have come by end, 5 by knockout, and 13 by submission.
