Reinier de Ridder is heading back to light heavyweight to face Roman Dolidze at UFC Sacramento. The matchup marks de Ridder's return to the 205-pound division.
Reinier de Ridder is moving back up to light heavyweight to take on Roman Dolidze at UFC Sacramento, the promotion announced on July 5, 2026.
De Ridder, known as "RdR," enters the bout carrying a 21-4 record and currently sits ranked seventh in the middleweight division. The 35-year-old Dutchman from Combat Brothers stands six-foot-four with a 78-inch reach and fights out of a southpaw stance. He is a technically precise operator, landing significant strikes at a 53 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 2.68 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded grapplers in the division. The Sacramento booking marks his return to 205 pounds after competing at middleweight.
Dolidze is a 37-year-old Georgian fighter out of Xtreme Couture who holds a 15-5 record and is ranked twelfth at middleweight. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, the orthodox striker lands 3.19 significant strikes per minute and complements his output with 1.16 takedowns per 15 minutes. He steps up to light heavyweight for this matchup as well.
Why it matters
- Both fighters are making divisional moves to 205 pounds, adding stakes beyond a typical ranked middleweight contest.
- De Ridder's grappling volume against Dolidze's striking output creates a clear stylistic contrast.
- A strong performance at light heavyweight could open ranking opportunities for either man in a wide-open 205-pound division.
- De Ridder's 78-inch reach and two-inch height advantage give him a physical edge, though Dolidze's punch rate is notably higher.
