Reinier de Ridder’s record speaks volumes about his skill and determination as a fighter. With 18 wins and only two losses, he has shown that he is one of the best in the world
His time in ONE Championship helped build his reputation, and now, with his UFC debut behind him, he has the opportunity to make a name for himself on the biggest stage in MMA.
His success across different promotions, his ability to win titles in multiple weight classes, and his dominant grappling style make him one of the most exciting fighters in MMA today.
Whether he wins more titles or faces tougher challenges, his record and legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow.
Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder’s journey from Tilburg to the global stage of MMA is a story of perseverance and triumph.
With elite grappling skills, a versatile fighting style, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he has established himself as one of the sport’s premier talents.
Whether in the cage or outside it, de Ridder exemplifies the qualities of a true champion.
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Table of Contents
Reinier de Ridder: Who Is He?
Early Life and Beginnings
Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder was born on September 7, 1990, in Tilburg, Netherlands. From an early age, de Ridder exhibited a passion for sports and physical competition.1
Growing up in a country where soccer reigns supreme, his choice to pursue martial arts set him apart. Beginning with judo, a sport deeply rooted in grappling, de Ridder quickly distinguished himself as a natural athlete.
His discipline and dedication eventually led him to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where he earned his black belt, showcasing his ability to master multiple martial arts.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall, de Ridder possesses a commanding presence in the cage. His grappling skills, sharpened through years of training in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, form the cornerstone of his fighting style.
The Dutchman’s ability to seamlessly transition between these disciplines has made him one of the most versatile fighters in mixed martial arts (MMA). His expertise in securing submissions has earned him widespread recognition, with many considering him a grappling prodigy.
WHO IS NEXT?
I am looking for a fight. Who would you like to see me go up against? Let me know and tag him so he can get ready😉👇#mma #ufc #fight #fightclub #matchmaker #fightlife @… https://t.co/M1nZs3m2tM
— Reinier de Ridder (@ReinierdeRidder) August 3, 2018
Early MMA Career
De Ridder began his professional MMA career in 2013, making an immediate impact in the regional circuits. Competing primarily at middleweight, he quickly built a reputation as a formidable opponent.
His early fights showcased his ability to dominate opponents with precise grappling and strategic striking. During this period, he captured the HIT Middleweight Championship, solidifying his position as a rising star in European MMA.
In 2019, de Ridder signed with ONE Championship, a premier MMA promotion based in Asia. His debut fight under the ONE banner was a statement of intent. Facing Fan Rong, de Ridder secured a first-round submission victory, signaling his arrival on the international stage.
He followed this with another impressive win against Leandro Ataides, further cementing his reputation as a top contender.
Reinier de Ridder: Career
Championship Glory
De Ridder’s defining moment came on October 30, 2020, at ONE: Inside the Matrix. Facing Aung La Nsang for the ONE Middleweight World Championship, de Ridder delivered a masterclass in grappling.2
He secured a first-round submission victory to claim the middleweight crown. The victory not only earned him a world title but also marked him as one of the elite fighters in the promotion.
Never one to rest on his laurels, de Ridder pursued greatness by moving up to light heavyweight. He faced Aung La Nsang again, this time for the ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship.
De Ridder emerged victorious, becoming the third two-division champion in ONE history. This achievement placed him in rarefied air, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels across multiple weight classes.
Versatility in Fighting Style
One of de Ridder’s most remarkable traits is his versatility. While his grappling skills are unparalleled, he has also developed a well-rounded striking game.
This evolution has made him a more unpredictable and dangerous fighter. Opponents struggle to anticipate his approach, as de Ridder can seamlessly transition between striking and grappling, keeping them on the defensive.
In 2024, de Ridder took his talents to the global stage by signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
His debut at UFC Fight Night 247 on November 9, 2024, was a resounding success. Facing seasoned veteran Gerald Meerschaert, de Ridder displayed his signature grappling prowess. He secured an arm-triangle choke submission in the third round, earning a decisive victory and making an immediate impact in the UFC.
Professional Record and Current Status
- As of January 2025, de Ridder holds an impressive professional record of 18 wins and 2 losses. His career is a testament to consistency and excellence, with the majority of his victories coming by way of submission.
- De Ridder’s ability to finish fights has made him a fan favorite and a perennial contender in the middleweight division.
- De Ridder’s next challenge is scheduled for January 18, 2025, at UFC 311, where he will face Kevin Holland. The matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles.
- Holland’s striking acumen will test de Ridder’s ability to close the distance and impose his grappling game.
- The fight has garnered significant attention, with fans eager to see how de Ridder adapts to the unique challenges posed by his opponent.
- While de Ridder is best known for his achievements in MMA, he is also a devoted family man and a role model in his community.
- Balancing the demands of professional fighting with family life, de Ridder exemplifies discipline and commitment. His humility and approachable demeanor have endeared him to fans and peers alike.
Reinier de Ridder: Training and Preparation
De Ridder’s success can be attributed to his rigorous training regimen. Working with world-class coaches and training partners, he continually hones his skills.3
His preparation for fights is meticulous, focusing on both physical conditioning and mental toughness. This attention to detail has been a key factor in his ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
As one of the most successful Dutch fighters in MMA history, de Ridder has played a pivotal role in popularizing the sport in the Netherlands. His success has inspired a new generation of fighters, who look up to him as a trailblazer.
De Ridder’s achievements have elevated the profile of Dutch MMA on the global stage.
Legacy and Future Goals
At 34 years old, de Ridder is in the prime of his career. His journey from the regional circuits to becoming a two-division champion in ONE and a top contender in the UFC is a testament to his skill and determination.
Looking ahead, de Ridder aims to capture UFC gold and cement his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.
De Ridder’s ability to outmaneuver opponents on the ground has earned him the nickname “The Grappling Genius.”
His mastery of submissions, combined with his strategic approach, has made him a nightmare matchup for even the most seasoned fighters. Whether it’s a rear-naked choke or an arm-triangle, de Ridder’s arsenal of techniques is both vast and effective.
Balancing Grappling and Striking
While grappling remains his forte, de Ridder has invested significant time in improving his striking.
This evolution has made him a more complete fighter, capable of competing with strikers and grapplers alike. His ability to blend these elements seamlessly has been a hallmark of his success.
De Ridder’s success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring fighters. His journey highlights the importance of dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace challenges.
As a role model, de Ridder encourages young athletes to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.
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Reinier de Ridder: Career Record
Reinier de Ridder, known for his exceptional grappling skills and dominant presence inside the cage, is a Dutch mixed martial artist who has made his mark in both ONE Championship and the UFC.
With an impressive record and a reputation for his submission game, De Ridder has captivated fans worldwide. Let’s break down his career record in various promotions and examine his journey through MMA.
Heading into UFC 311, Reinier de Ridder boasts a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 2 losses (18-2-0). This puts him in elite company in the world of MMA, as his 18 victories show his consistency and skill across multiple fights.
His overall record is a testament to his well-rounded abilities as a fighter, with victories in various forms: knockouts, submissions, and decisions. Let’s take a closer look at the details:
- Knockouts: De Ridder has secured four wins via knockout, showcasing that he isn’t just a submission specialist but also has the striking power to finish his opponents. His knockout victories highlight his striking adaptability and make him a more dangerous and versatile fighter.
- Submissions: Submissions are De Ridder’s bread and butter. Of his 18 wins, 12 have come via submission, cementing his reputation as a world-class grappler. His ground game is one of the best in the sport, and his submission victories are a clear indicator of his dominance on the mat.
- Decisions: Two of his wins have come by decision. This demonstrates that De Ridder has the cardio and tactical ability to outlast opponents over the course of three rounds, even when he doesn’t finish the fight early.
Reinier de Ridder’s Losses: The Anatoly Malykhin Rivalry
Reinier de Ridder’s two losses came against the same opponent, Anatoly Malykhin. The rivalry between these two fighters has been one of the most talked-about in the world of MMA.
Malykhin defeated De Ridder twice, and both defeats were by knockout, showing the difference in striking power between the two fighters.
Despite these setbacks, De Ridder’s ability to bounce back and learn from losses has made him a better fighter over time.
The losses to Malykhin came during De Ridder’s time with ONE Championship, where he was attempting to defend his light heavyweight title. While these losses were difficult, they did not overshadow the many successes he had achieved prior to facing Malykhin.
In fact, it’s fair to say that De Ridder has learned a great deal from those bouts, and they have fueled his desire to continue growing as a fighter.
Reinier de Ridder’s UFC Debut
A Successful Start
After a highly successful run in ONE Championship, Reinier de Ridder made his UFC debut at UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates.
The fight was highly anticipated, as fans were eager to see how De Ridder’s grappling-heavy style would translate to the UFC, one of the most competitive MMA promotions in the world.
De Ridder’s UFC debut was nothing short of impressive. He faced veteran Gerald Meerschaert, a skilled submission artist himself, and the two engaged in a highly technical battle.
De Ridder’s grappling was on full display as he dominated the fight, eventually securing a submission victory. The win marked his first victory inside the UFC, and it was an excellent way for him to begin his UFC career.
His submission victory over Meerschaert showed that De Ridder’s grappling was just as effective in the UFC as it was in ONE Championship. The submission came in the first round, and it sent a message to the UFC middleweight division that De Ridder was here to compete at the highest level.
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Reinier de Ridder’s Future in the UFC
With a successful UFC debut under his belt, Reinier de Ridder is now focused on making a name for himself in the UFC’s stacked middleweight division.
There are many exciting potential matchups for De Ridder moving forward, and fans are eagerly anticipating his next steps in the promotion.
As of January 9, 2024, De Ridder holds a 1-0-0 UFC record, but his journey is just beginning. The UFC middleweight division is known for its depth and talent, with names like Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Jared Cannonier leading the charge.
However, De Ridder’s unique style and grappling-heavy approach could give him the edge over many of the current top contenders.
De Ridder’s blend of striking and grappling makes him a dangerous fighter in the UFC, and his experience in ONE Championship gives him a solid foundation to continue improving. His dedication to his craft and his ability to adapt will be key factors in his success moving forward.
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