Reinier de Ridder stated he does not rule out a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though he would prefer to face a different opponent in his debut at the weight class. De Ridder confirmed that his next fight is scheduled for the summer. The Dutch fighter emphasized that a rematch with Whittaker is not a priority for his immediate future. He appears to be exploring options in a new weight division. The timing suggests De Ridder is planning his light heavyweight debut in the coming months.
Reinier de Ridder has confirmed he is open to a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though the Dutch contender made clear it is not his preferred next step as he prepares to debut in the 205-pound division this summer.
De Ridder, 35, currently holds a 21-4 record and sits seventh in the UFC middleweight rankings. Standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, the Combat Brothers representative brings a well-rounded game built around his grappling, averaging 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing 53 percent of his significant strikes. He has indicated he would rather face a fresh opponent for his light heavyweight bow, with the rematch against Whittaker available as an option further down the line rather than an immediate target.
Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight, carries a 27-9 record and a reputation as one of the division's most durable and active strikers. The 35-year-old Australian lands 4.39 significant strikes per minute, and his 73-inch reach and six-foot frame would present a notably different physical challenge for de Ridder should the two meet again at a higher weight class.
Why it matters
- De Ridder moving to light heavyweight opens a new competitive chapter for one of middleweight's more dangerous grapplers.
- A rematch with Whittaker at 205 pounds would carry divisional stakes beyond their previous encounter, potentially shaking up the light heavyweight rankings for both men.
- The contrasting styles — de Ridder's takedown-heavy southpaw approach versus Whittaker's high-volume orthodox striking — make any future meeting a compelling stylistic clash at the new weight.
