Reinier de Ridder, a notable figure in mixed martial arts, has recently taken a significant turn in his professional journey by signing with the UFC. The former two-division champion of ONE Championship, de Ridder, has been in the spotlight due to his impressive skills and achievements in the sport. With a record of 17 wins and 2 losses, he has made waves by holding both the light heavyweight and middleweight titles simultaneously in ONE Championship. However, after enduring back-to-back defeats against the formidable Anatoly Malykhin, de Ridder departed from the Asian organization earlier this year, which opened the door for his transition to the UFC.
On November 9, de Ridder will make his much-anticipated debut in the UFC against Gerald Meerschaert. This matchup, announced recently by the UFC, promises to be an exciting encounter. Meerschaert, whose record stands at 12 wins and 9 losses within the UFC and 37 overall in mixed martial arts, is no stranger to high-pressure situations in the octagon. In fact, Meerschaert recently set a record for the most finishes in UFC middleweight history, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the fight. De Ridder’s first fight in the UFC will be a test of resilience and skill against an experienced opponent who has consistently showcased his finishing ability.
De Ridder’s pathway in mixed martial arts has been marked by notable successes. He began his career with an impressive winning streak of nine fights before joining ONE Championship in 2019. His initial tenure there was remarkable; he quickly climbed the ranks and seized the middleweight title by submitting then-champion Aung La Nsang. The victory did not just mark a personal milestone but also established de Ridder as a key player in the championship landscape. He would later capture the light heavyweight title as well, defending the middleweight championship successfully before facing challenges that ultimately led to his departure from ONE.
As de Ridder prepares for his UFC debut, fans are eager to witness how his skills will translate into a different competitive environment known for its intensity and unpredictability. Although his record at ONE was impressive, the UFC is notorious for presenting tougher competition and a relentless fight pace. The challenges he’ll face in the octagon could shape his career in ways that he has yet to experience, and the outcome of his debut against Meerschaert will be pivotal in establishing his legacy within the UFC.
Reinier de Ridder’s entry into the UFC is a thrilling prospect not just for him, but for fans of mixed martial arts eager for high-caliber competition. With the anticipation building towards his fight on November 9, the MMA community will closely observe how he adapts and evolves in this new arena. As he steps into the cage against Gerald Meerschaert, his journey illustrates the fluid nature of martial arts careers, where victories and setbacks contribute to a fighter’s narrative. All eyes will be on de Ridder as he attempts to prove that he is not just a former champion but a formidable force in the UFC as well.
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