Reinier De Ridder’s Ascent: A New Threat in the Middleweight Division
Since joining the UFC from ONE Championship, Reinier de Ridder has proven that his success overseas can translate to the sport’s biggest stage. After edging out a close decision victory in his debut against seasoned veteran Gerald Meerschaert, de Ridder quickly silenced doubters with two consecutive first-round finishes. He dominantly submitted Kevin Holland before overwhelming rising prospect Bo Nickal with his grappling pressure. These performances helped establish him as a dangerous and unconventional threat in the UFC's Middleweight Division. His most recent win over former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker marked the biggest milestone of his career so far. Whittaker, known for his elite striking and takedown defense, was widely seen as a major step up in competition. Yet de Ridder controlled large portions of the fight and showcased an improved ability to absorb pressure while working his game. With this statement win, de Ridder is now expected to break into the top five and is well within striking distance of a title shot.
De Ridder’s strength lies in his elite grappling, where he dictates the pace and direction of fights with relentless pressure. He is a submission specialist with a wide array of finishes at his disposal, including rear-naked chokes, armbars, and triangle chokes. On the feet, his striking remains a work in progress—particularly at range, where he struggles to land clean combinations and often absorbs damage from counter-strikers. However, once he closes the distance and engages in the clinch, de Ridder’s knees and elbows become key weapons that disrupt rhythm and cause significant damage.
Looking ahead, the next step in de Ridder’s ascent will depend on strategic matchmaking. A fight against Israel Adesanya would offer a high-profile challenge, especially considering Adesanya was recently submitted by Dricus du Plessis. However, with Adesanya announcing a break from competition, that bout may not be realistic in the short term. Sean Strickland could be a compelling alternative, bringing a more well-rounded skill set and durable fighting style that would push de Ridder in all areas. Either matchup would provide insight into how close de Ridder truly is to championship gold.
Conclusion
Reinier de Ridder’s rise has been swift, calculated, and undeniable. With each performance, he silences doubters and strengthens his claim as a serious threat in the Middleweight Division. His grappling is already elite, and if his striking continues to improve, he could become one of the most well-rounded fighters in the sport. The title picture is starting to take shape—and de Ridder may be just one big win away from stepping into it. If he continues evolving at this pace, it may only be a matter of time before he wears UFC gold.
