Reinier de Ridder Joins the UFC: Former ONE Championship Titleholder Takes a New Challenge
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has secured a significant free agency signing with the addition of former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, Reinier de Ridder, to its roster. MMA Junkie confirmed the news with a reliable source close to the situation, revealing that de Ridder has signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC. While the organization has not made an official announcement yet, the news first broke through UFC Roster Tracker on X.
Reinier de Ridder, a 34-year-old Dutch fighter, had an impressive run in ONE Championship, where he held both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles. Competing in nine fights under the promotion, de Ridder secured victories in his first seven matchups before facing Anatoly Malykhin, who dethroned him in back-to-back fights for both titles. After his stint in ONE Championship, de Ridder made a successful comeback with a first-round TKO victory under UAE Warriors in July, paving the way for his transition to the UFC.
De Ridder’s UFC Debut and Future in the Octagon
De Ridder’s octagon debut is set to take place in the middleweight division, with insiders indicating that he will compete at 185 pounds. However, the specific location and opponent for his first UFC fight have not been disclosed as of now. Fans and analysts eagerly anticipate de Ridder’s first appearance in the UFC, as he brings a wealth of experience and skill from his time in ONE Championship.
As de Ridder prepares to make his mark in the UFC, the MMA community is abuzz with speculation about potential matchups and how his fighting style will translate to the octagon. With a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, de Ridder has proven himself to be a formidable force in the world of mixed martial arts, and his addition to the UFC roster only adds to the excitement surrounding the promotion.
Reinier de Ridder’s Journey to the UFC
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Reinier de Ridder discovered his passion for martial arts at a young age. Training diligently and honing his skills, de Ridder quickly rose through the ranks in the European MMA circuit before making his debut in ONE Championship. His dominant performances and championship victories in ONE Championship solidified his status as one of the top fighters in his weight classes.
Despite facing setbacks in his career, including the loss of his titles to Anatoly Malykhin, de Ridder’s resilience and determination have been key factors in his success. With a versatile skill set that includes striking, grappling, and submission techniques, de Ridder poses a threat to any opponent in the octagon. His transition to the UFC marks a new chapter in his career, where he aims to prove himself against the best fighters in the world.
In conclusion, Reinier de Ridder’s signing with the UFC represents a significant milestone in his career and a thrilling development for MMA fans worldwide. As he prepares to make his octagon debut, all eyes will be on de Ridder as he looks to make his mark in the highly competitive UFC roster. Stay tuned for updates on de Ridder’s UFC journey and upcoming fights as he embarks on this new chapter in his fighting career.