Reinier de Ridder has stated he would not rule out a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though he indicated he would prefer to face a different opponent for his debut in that weight class. The Dutch fighter also confirmed that his next bout is scheduled for the summer months. De Ridder previously faced Whittaker in a middleweight contest, and a rematch at 205 pounds would represent a different challenge for both fighters. The statement suggests de Ridder is considering a move up in weight while remaining open to future possibilities. His comments indicate strategic thinking about his career trajectory and matchmaking preferences heading into his next appearance.
Reinier de Ridder has revealed he is open to a rematch with Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight, though the Dutch fighter made clear he would prefer a different opponent for his first appearance at 205 pounds. De Ridder also confirmed his next bout is expected to take place sometime this summer.
De Ridder, who holds a 21-4-0 record and currently sits seventh in the UFC middleweight rankings, has long been one of the division's more intriguing competitors. The 35-year-old from the Netherlands trains out of Combat Brothers and brings a physically imposing frame to the cage, standing six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach. Fighting out of a southpaw stance, he averages 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands 53 percent of his significant strikes, a figure that reflects his composed, technical approach.
Whittaker, ranked sixth in the same middleweight division, carries a 27-9-0 record and represents a very different stylistic profile. The 35-year-old Australian, known as The Reaper, is primarily a striker who outputs 4.39 significant strikes per minute and has logged no submission attempts across his career. He stands six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, meaning a light heavyweight contest against de Ridder would see him give up notable physical advantages compared to their prior middleweight encounter.
Why it matters
- A move to 205 pounds would represent a fresh divisional chapter for de Ridder, who has built his name at middleweight.
- De Ridder's grappling-heavy style would likely carry even greater leverage against larger light heavyweight opposition.
- Whittaker as a potential rematched opponent adds an established name to the conversation, raising the profile of de Ridder's weight-class transition.
- The summer timeline gives the matchmaking picture a concrete, near-term window to watch.
