# Reinier de Ridder moves to light heavyweight

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/reinier-de-ridder-weight-class-transition
> Updated: 2026-08-22T11:45:06.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: 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.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reinier-de-ridder-defeats-roman-dolidze-via-tko-at-ufc-sacramento

### 2026-08-19: 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 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reinier-de-ridder-to-face-roman-dolidze-at-ufc-sacramento

### 2026-07-28: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/reinier-de-ridder-quits-ufc-middleweight-moves-permanently-to-light-heavyweight

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Cite as: Reinier de Ridder moves to light heavyweight. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/reinier-de-ridder-weight-class-transition