Reinier de Ridder commits to light heavyweight after middleweight struggles
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 1:20 AM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
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.
- •De Ridder suffered back-to-back losses in middleweight.
- •He is permanently moving to light heavyweight.
- •Next fight is against Roman Dolidze on August 22.
- •De Ridder fought four times in 2025, affecting his performance.
- •He criticized the weight-cutting practices in MMA.
- 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Reinier de Ridder: 205 is my home, 'I'm never going back' to middleweight
"Reinier de Ridder's move up to light heavyweight is a permanent one.
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