Former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder has addressed the possibility of a rematch with Robert Whittaker, suggesting it could happen at light heavyweight rather than middleweight. However, de Ridder indicated he would prefer a different opponent for his next fight rather than an immediate rematch. The Dutchman confirmed that his next bout is scheduled for summer 2026, giving fans a timeline for his return to action. De Ridder and Whittaker previously met in a closely contested middleweight bout that generated interest in a potential second meeting. De Ridder is exploring his options as he plans his competitive schedule for the coming months.
Reinier de Ridder has publicly addressed the prospect of a second fight with Robert Whittaker, indicating he is open to the matchup but would prefer a different opponent first, with a summer 2026 return date already on the horizon.
De Ridder, 35, carries a 21-4-0 record and is currently ranked seventh in the UFC middleweight division. The six-foot-four Dutchman, who trains out of Combat Brothers, brings a diverse offensive game to the cage, averaging 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside a 53 percent striking accuracy. His southpaw stance and a 78-inch reach give him a considerable physical edge over most middleweights, and he has floated the idea of the Whittaker rematch taking place at light heavyweight rather than middleweight.
Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight, sits one spot above de Ridder in the divisional standings despite their previous meeting generating momentum for a second bout. The 35-year-old Australian holds a 27-9-0 record and is one of the more high-output strikers in the division, landing 4.39 significant strikes per minute. The orthodox fighter stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach and trains out of PMA Super Martial Arts.
Why it matters
- De Ridder's preference to fight someone else first suggests the Whittaker rematch is a mid-term possibility rather than the next booking
- A potential move to light heavyweight for the rematch would shift the divisional context of the rivalry entirely
- Both men sit inside the middleweight top ten, meaning either fighter's next result will carry rankings weight regardless of opponent
- De Ridder confirming a summer 2026 timeline gives the matchmaking picture a concrete window to watch
