On Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Netherlands can be proud.
Reinier de Ridder, former two-division ONE Championship world champion, will headline UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder against former UFC champion Robert Whittaker. The bout takes place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and marks a major milestone in his UFC career — with a strong performance, countless doors could open for him.
De Ridder made his UFC debut on November 9, 2024, earning a submission victory (arm-triangle choke) over Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Vegas 100.
On January 18, 2025, he followed up with a rear-naked choke win against Kevin Holland at UFC 311.
His third UFC fight took place on May 3, 2025, where he defeated former top wrestler Bo Nickal in Des Moines via second-round TKO — making it three straight UFC wins.
With three consecutive victories, De Ridder is off to a phenomenal start in the UFC.
His TKO win over Nickal even earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
By late March 2025, he entered the UFC middleweight rankings at #15.
In the photo above, you see Reinier de Ridder in his element — dominating on the ground, where he excels like no other.
Wearing the Joyagear Strike MMA Sparring Gloves, he showcases why these gloves are perfectly crafted for both striking and grappling.
The gloves provide superior grip and unmatched flexibility, allowing him to transition seamlessly, maintain control, and set up submissions without restriction. Built with premium Thai craftsmanship and durable cowhide leather, they withstand the intensity of daily training.
Reinier trusts Joyagear — and we’re proud to support him.
De Ridder is renowned for his technical mastery in martial arts, holding black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)and judo.
This foundation defines his fighting style: calculated takedowns, relentless control, and surgical submission setups.
13 of his 20 professional wins have come via submission — from rear-naked chokes to arm-triangle chokes — cementing his reputation as a world-class submission specialist.
Standing at 6’4’’ (1.93 m) and competing at 185 lbs (84 kg), he fights as a southpaw, giving him a strategic edge over orthodox opponents.
His length, combined with elite grappling, makes him a nightmare in clinches and on the mat.
When in the Netherlands, De Ridder trains at Combat Brothers in Breda, a top-level gym he co-owns. Beyond fighting, he’s a trained physiotherapist, enhancing his knowledge of the human body, injury prevention, and recovery methods. Combat Brothers is a breeding ground for MMA talent, offering training in MMA, BJJ, kickboxing, and strength & conditioning.
In 2020, he captured the ONE Middleweight World Title by defeating Aung La N Sang.
In April 2021, he also claimed the ONE Light Heavyweight World Title, becoming a two-division champion.
After successful defenses, he eventually lost both belts to Anatoly Malykhin.
In 2024, he made the leap to the UFC, where he remains undefeated so far. His professional record now stands at 20 wins and 2 losses.
Opponent: Robert Whittaker — former UFC Middleweight Champion.
Style: Whittaker is a powerful striker with explosive hands, elite cardio, and strong takedown defense.
Clash of Styles: Striker vs. grappler — a battle of technique vs. power, stand-up vs. ground game.
For Reinier: A direct chance to break into the UFC middleweight top-5. A win sets him firmly on the path to a title shot.
For the Netherlands: The first time a Dutch fighter headlines a UFC main event against a former champion.
For Fans: A world-class matchup between two elite fighters with completely different skill sets.
| Time | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, July 26, 2025 |
| Location | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi |
| Main Event | Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight) |
| Broadcast | Live on ABC & UFC Fight Pass |
With three dominant UFC wins — submissions and a TKO — Reinier de Ridder has proven himself as a unique force in the middleweight division. His blend of judo, BJJ, physiotherapy expertise, and strategic mindset makes him a rare and dangerous contender.
On July 26, against Robert Whittaker, he has the chance to solidify his place among the UFC elite.
This is more than just a fight.
For the Netherlands, for his fans worldwide, and for himself — this is a statement.
Reinier de Ridder’s time is now.
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