Former ONE Championship double champion Reinier de Ridder has expressed openness to a potential rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight. However, de Ridder indicated he would prefer a different opponent for his debut fight in a new weight class or organization. The Dutch-born fighter also revealed that his next bout is scheduled for sometime during the summer months. De Ridder previously competed primarily at middleweight and light heavyweight in ONE Championship. The post suggests ongoing negotiations or planning for his future fighting schedule. Specific opponent names or event details were not mentioned beyond the general summer timeframe.
Reinier de Ridder has made clear he is open to a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though the Dutch fighter says he would prefer a different opponent for his first appearance at a new weight class or with a new organization. De Ridder also confirmed his next fight is penciled in for sometime this summer.
De Ridder, 35, carries a 21-4-0 record and currently sits ranked seventh at middleweight. The six-foot-four southpaw from the Netherlands trains out of Combat Brothers and built his reputation as a former ONE Championship double champion, competing primarily at middleweight and light heavyweight. His grappling-heavy style is reflected in his 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes, and he lands significant strikes at a 53 percent accuracy clip, among the sharper rates in the division.
Whittaker, also 35, holds a 27-9-0 record and is ranked sixth at middleweight. The Australian orthodox striker, known as The Reaper, is one of the most volume-heavy fighters in the sport, landing 4.39 significant strikes per minute out of PMA Super Martial Arts. At six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, he presents a markedly different physical profile from de Ridder, who owns a 78-inch reach advantage heading into any potential matchup.
Why it matters
- A rematch at light heavyweight would mark de Ridder moving up a weight class, creating fresh divisional stakes in whichever organization hosts it.
- De Ridder's elite grappling against Whittaker's high-output striking makes for a compelling stylistic contrast.
- With a summer date already on de Ridder's horizon, the timeline for clarity on his next opponent is relatively short.
- Both fighters sit inside the top ten at middleweight, meaning any crossover bout carries ranking implications on multiple levels.
