Reinier de Ridder commits to light heavyweight after middleweight struggles

Reinier de Ridder has confirmed his permanent move to light heavyweight after suffering back-to-back losses in the middleweight division. Competing four times in 2025 took a toll on his body, culminating in a stoppage loss to Brendan Allen at UFC Fight Night 262. De Ridder is set to face Roman Dolidze at UFC Fight Night 285 on August 22, where he aims to establish himself in his new weight class. He expressed contentment with his decision, acknowledging the difficulties of cutting weight and the impact it has on fighters' performance during fights.

• 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Reinier de Ridder: 205 is my home, 'I'm never going back' to middleweight