Reinier de Ridder has not ruled out a potential rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though he indicated he would prefer a different opponent for his debut in the division. De Ridder also confirmed that his next fight is scheduled for the summer. The Dutch fighter appears to be weighing his options carefully as he considers his move to a new weight class. No specific opponent or event has been confirmed for his summer bout.
Reinier de Ridder has confirmed he is open to a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though the Dutch contender has made clear he would prefer a different opponent for his debut in the new weight class. De Ridder also revealed his next fight is scheduled for sometime this summer, though no opponent or event has been officially announced.
De Ridder, who stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, carries a 21-4 record and currently sits ranked seventh at middleweight. The 35-year-old Combat Brothers product is a disciplined grappler, averaging 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing strikes at a 53 percent accuracy rate. The move to light heavyweight would represent a significant step up in both weight and competition for the Dutchman as he looks to carve out a new path in his career.
Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight, holds a 27-9 record and has long been one of the division's most durable and technically accomplished fighters. The 35-year-old Australian is a high-volume striker, averaging 4.39 significant strikes per minute, and has built his reputation on sharp output and ring generalship across years at the top of the sport.
Why it matters
- A move to light heavyweight opens a new divisional chapter for de Ridder, whose size and grappling credentials could translate well at 205 pounds.
- A potential Whittaker rematch would carry built-in history and narrative weight, though de Ridder has indicated it is not his first choice for the debut.
- De Ridder's summer timeline means a fight announcement could come in the near future, with the opponent selection likely shaping how seriously the light heavyweight division takes his arrival.
