Reinier de Ridder has indicated he would be open to a rematch with Robert Whittaker, potentially at light heavyweight instead of their previous meeting at middleweight. However, de Ridder stated he would prefer to face a different opponent for his debut at the new weight class. The Dutch fighter also revealed that his next fight is scheduled to take place during the summer months. De Ridder is planning his UFC trajectory carefully after his previous encounter with Whittaker. The former ONE Championship double champion is looking to establish himself in a new division. A rematch with Whittaker remains a possibility but not his immediate priority.
Reinier de Ridder has expressed openness to a second fight with Robert Whittaker, this time at light heavyweight, though the Dutch contender made clear the rematch is not at the top of his wish list as he maps out his UFC future at the new weight class.
De Ridder, 35, carries a 21-4 record and currently sits ranked seventh in the UFC middleweight division. The six-foot-four southpaw from the Netherlands, who trains out of Combat Brothers, brings an 78-inch reach and a well-rounded grappling game to the table, averaging 2.68 takedowns per fifteen minutes alongside a striking accuracy of 53 percent. A former ONE Championship double champion, he is now focused on carving out a place in a second UFC division. He revealed that his next bout is expected to take place during the summer.
Whittaker, meanwhile, holds a 27-9 record and is ranked sixth at middleweight — one spot ahead of de Ridder in the same division. The Australian, also 35, is a high-volume striker who lands 4.39 significant strikes per minute out of an orthodox stance. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, "The Reaper" remains one of the most experienced fighters in the weight class and a recognizable name at 185 pounds and beyond.
De Ridder indicated he would prefer to face a fresh opponent for his light heavyweight debut rather than immediately revisiting the Whittaker matchup, but he did not close the door on the rematch down the line.
Why it matters
- De Ridder moving to light heavyweight opens a new rankings picture for him beyond the crowded middleweight top ten.
- A potential rematch with Whittaker at 205 pounds would represent a different stylistic contest given the added size both men could carry at the higher weight.
- De Ridder's grappling-heavy approach — nearly three takedowns per fifteen minutes — would present a distinct challenge for Whittaker, who averages just 0.73 takedowns in the same span and has no recorded submission attempts on his stat sheet.
