Reinier de Ridder has stated he would consider a rematch with Robert Whittaker, potentially at light heavyweight. However, de Ridder indicated he would prefer a different opponent for his debut in the new weight class. The Dutch fighter confirmed that his next bout is scheduled for summer 2026. De Ridder did not completely rule out facing Whittaker again but suggested the timing for an immediate rematch is not ideal. He appears focused on establishing himself with a fresh matchup first. The comments leave the door open for a future Whittaker fight under different circumstances.
Reinier de Ridder has opened the door to a future rematch with Robert Whittaker, though the Dutch contender made clear he would prefer a different opponent for his light heavyweight debut, which is set for summer 2026.
De Ridder, 35, currently holds a 21-4-0 record and is ranked seventh in the middleweight division. Standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach, the southpaw from the Netherlands is a natural fit for the 205-pound class. He averages 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands strikes at a 53 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more technically complete grapplers in the division. The move to light heavyweight represents a new chapter as he looks to test himself against fresh competition.
Whittaker, ranked sixth at middleweight with a record of 27-9-0, is one of the most decorated fighters in the division's recent history. The 35-year-old Australian generates an impressive 4.39 significant strikes per minute, a figure that reflects his high-output, pressure-forward style. At six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, he is notably smaller than de Ridder, a physical contrast that would be magnified if the pair were to meet at light heavyweight rather than middleweight.
De Ridder did not close the door on facing Whittaker again but indicated the timing makes an immediate rematch unappealing. His preference is to establish himself in the new weight class with a different matchup first, leaving any Whittaker sequel as a longer-term possibility.
Why it matters
- De Ridder's move to light heavyweight reshapes the division's contender picture heading into 2026.
- A eventual rematch with Whittaker at 205 pounds would pit two middleweight mainstays against each other in a new context.
- The size and style contrast between the pair — de Ridder's grappling versus Whittaker's striking volume — makes any future meeting a compelling stylistic puzzle.
