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3 clusters · 9 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Reinier de Ridder moves to light heavyweight

Overview

Dutch fighter Reinier de Ridder announced a permanent move from the UFC middleweight division to the light heavyweight division, citing the repeated weight-cutting process to 185 lbs as the “biggest mistake” of his career.

On August 22, 2026, de Ridder successfully debuted in the 205-pound division at UFC Sacramento, held at the Golden 1 Center in California. Facing Roman Dolidze, both fighters were seeking to snap consecutive losing streaks. De Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, utilized his grappling to secure a takedown and transition into dominant positions, including side control and full mount.

After landing significant strikes from these positions, de Ridder secured a TKO victory. Dolidze, 38, struggled to defend against the ground attacks and strikes, marking a successful start to de Ridder’s transition to the light heavyweight class.

Entities

Reinier de Ridder · Roman Dolidze · UFC · Golden 1 Center

Timeline

  1. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Reinier de Ridder defeats Roman Dolidze via TKO at UFC Sacramento

    Reinier de Ridder defeated Roman Dolidze via TKO in a light heavyweight bout at UFC Sacramento, snapping his recent losing streak through dominant grappling and ground strikes.

  2. 9 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Reinier de Ridder to face Roman Dolidze at UFC Sacramento

    Reinier de Ridder and Roman Dolidze will face off in a light heavyweight bout at UFC Sacramento on August 22, 2026, at the Golden 1 Center.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Reinier de Ridder quits UFC middleweight, moves permanently to light heavyweight

    Reinier de Ridder says he’ll stay at UFC light heavyweight, ending his middleweight run and calling weight‑cutting a mistake ahead of a fight with Roman Dolidze in Sacramento.

Sources

bjpenn.com · clutchpoints.com · gardelegen.de · middleeasy.com · mma.pl · mmamania.com · thebodylockmma.com · ufight.gr · world-today-news.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history