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The UFC has just landed a monumental signing, adding former two-division ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder to its ranks. Known for his versatility and impressive fight IQ, de Ridder brings a wealth of experience from his successful career in Asia to the world’s premier MMA promotion.
The news was first reported by UFC Roster Tracker on X (formerly Twitter), sparking immediate excitement among fans of the sport, though the official announcement is still under wraps.
At 34, Reinier de Ridder (17-2) enters the UFC with a resume that few fighters can match. He previously held the middleweight and light heavyweight titles in ONE Championship, a rare feat in the world of mixed martial arts. Throughout his nine-fight tenure with ONE, de Ridder was a dominant force, racking seven consecutive wins before falling to Anatoly Malykhin, who dethroned him in back-to-back title fights.
After his losses, de Ridder bounced back strong, fighting for UAE Warriors and securing a first-round TKO victory in July, reminding everyone why he’s such a dangerous opponent. This victory not only snapped his losing streak but also paved the way for his long-anticipated UFC debut.
Though the details of his UFC debut are yet to be revealed, de Ridder will be entering the Octagon as a middleweight. Fans are eager to see how the former ONE champion will fare in the UFC’s stacked 185-pound division. Will he rise through the ranks and once again capture gold, or will the UFC present a new set of challenges for him?
For now, the MMA world waits in anticipation of seeing who de Ridder’s first UFC opponent will be. One thing is certain—Reinier de Ridder’s entry into the UFC marks a significant moment in the promotion’s ongoing quest to bring in the best talent from around the world.
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