Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division titleholder in ONE Championship, is stepping into the octagon in a major way. Announced by the UFC on Wednesday, de Ridder will debut against veteran Gerald Meerschaert on November 9. This transition marks a significant milestone in the Dutch fighter’s career, as he seeks to establish himself in the highly competitive landscape of the UFC middleweight division after a notable tenure with ONE Championship.
De Ridder arrives at the UFC with a professional record of 17 wins and 2 losses, showcasing his remarkable skill set and resilience. His departure from ONE Championship followed a challenging period, where he faced two consecutive losses to the current three-division champion Anatoly Malykhin. These defeats, however, haven’t dampened his aspirations, as he demonstrated his tenacity by fighting successfully at UAE Warriors just months later.
Known as “The Dutch Knight,” de Ridder is notable not only for his impressive fight history but also for his tactical prowess inside the cage. Before joining ONE Championship in 2019, he amassed an exceptional nine-fight winning streak. During his time with the Asian promotion, he quickly made a name for himself, capturing both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles. His victory over Aung La Nsang, a celebrated champion, solidified his reputation as a master grappler, with his skill in submissions earning him accolades across the MMA community.
Despite the setbacks against Malykhin, de Ridder’s ability to return to winning ways is indicative of his character. His first-round victory against Magomedmurad Khasaev at UAE Warriors showcased that he still possesses the striking and ground game required to be competitive at a high level. With a strong background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, de Ridder will undoubtedly aim to utilize these skills effectively as he transitions into the UFC.
De Ridder’s first test in the UFC will be against Gerald Meerschaert, a seasoned competitor with an extensive record of 12 wins in the UFC, all achieved via finishes—knockouts or submissions. Meerschaert, who recently made history as the UFC middleweight leader for finishes, poses a unique challenge for the newcomer.
This bout represents an interesting crossroad for both fighters. For de Ridder, it’s not just about winning; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that he remains a force to be reckoned with in MMA. For Meerschaert, it’s a chance to thwart the ambitions of a rising star and establish his own legacy further within the organization.
As the fight date approaches, the anticipation grows. Reinier de Ridder’s entry into the UFC ecosystem is sure to draw significant interest, especially among fans who followed his journey through ONE Championship. His trajectory in this new chapter will be keenly watched, as fighters and enthusiasts alike are eager to see how “The Dutch Knight” will fare against formidable opponents in the UFC’s competitive environment.
Ultimately, the matchup against Meerschaert is just the beginning. If de Ridder can harness his capabilities and adapt quickly to UFC’s intensity, he may soon reclaim his status as one of the elite fighters in MMA, promising a thrilling future ahead in the realm of mixed martial arts.
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