Reinier de Ridder has confirmed his next fight will take place this summer and addressed the possibility of a rematch with Robert Whittaker. While De Ridder hasn't ruled out facing Whittaker again, he indicated he would prefer a different opponent for his debut in a new context. The fighter suggested that if a rematch were to happen, it could potentially take place at light heavyweight rather than middleweight. De Ridder emphasized that a rematch with Whittaker is not something he's currently pursuing for his immediate return. The summer timeline gives a general window for fans to expect his next octagon appearance.
Reinier de Ridder has confirmed he will return to the octagon this summer while also addressing the prospect of a rematch with fellow middleweight contender Robert Whittaker.
The Dutch fighter, who stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, holds a record of 21-4 and is currently ranked seventh in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old southpaw out of Combat Brothers averages 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 53 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more well-rounded grapplers in the 185-pound weight class.
Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight, carries a record of 27-9 and represents a familiar face for de Ridder. The Australian is 35 years old and trains out of PMA Super Martial Arts. Known for his high output, Whittaker lands 4.39 significant strikes per minute, giving him one of the busiest and most consistent striking paces in the division.
De Ridder acknowledged the possibility of a rematch but made clear it is not his immediate priority. He indicated a preference for a different opponent for his next appearance, which he described as a debut in a new context. Should a rematch with Whittaker eventually materialize, de Ridder suggested it could take place at light heavyweight rather than middleweight.
Why it matters
- De Ridder is ranked seventh and Whittaker sixth at middleweight, meaning any matchup between the two carries direct divisional implications
- A potential move to light heavyweight for a rematch would open a separate set of ranking consequences at 205 pounds
- The contrasting styles — de Ridder's grappling-heavy approach versus Whittaker's volume striking — make any future meeting a compelling stylistic clash
