Reinier de Ridder has not ruled out a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, but he indicated he would prefer to face a different opponent for his initial bout. De Ridder confirmed that his next fight is scheduled to take place during the summer months. The Dutch fighter is making the transition from ONE Championship, where he was a two-division champion, to the UFC roster. His first matchup in the promotion will be closely watched given his previous accomplishments. The potential rematch with Whittaker remains a possibility for the future, though it appears unlikely to be his debut fight.
Reinier de Ridder has indicated he is open to a future rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, but the Dutch grappler made clear he would prefer a different opponent for his UFC debut, which he confirmed is targeted for sometime this summer.
De Ridder arrives in the UFC carrying significant credentials. The 35-year-old from the Netherlands holds a 21-4 record and stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, giving him imposing physical tools for either middleweight or light heavyweight. He spent his peak years at ONE Championship, where he became a two-division champion, and his wrestling-heavy approach is reflected in a takedown rate of 2.68 per 15 minutes. He also converts well on the feet, landing significant strikes at a 53 percent accuracy clip while fighting out of a southpaw stance.
Whittaker, the man de Ridder referenced as a potential future opponent, is no stranger to high-profile matchups. The 35-year-old Australian carries a 27-9 record and sits at number six in the middleweight rankings, one spot above de Ridder's current number-seven ranking. A former UFC middleweight champion, Whittaker produces significant volume on the feet at 4.39 significant strikes per minute, making him one of the more dangerous strikers in the division.
Why it matters
- De Ridder's UFC debut will be a measuring-stick moment for one of ONE Championship's most decorated recent champions
- Both fighters currently rank inside the UFC middleweight top ten, meaning any matchup between them carries genuine divisional implications
- A rematch at light heavyweight would represent a cross-divisional challenge for de Ridder and a new frontier for Whittaker
- The style contrast — de Ridder's grappling volume against Whittaker's striking output — makes any eventual meeting a compelling matchup on paper
