Former two-division ONE champion signs contract with UFC

Reinier DeRidder was a two-time ONE Championship champion. Photo: Reproduction/ONE.

PUBLICITY:

One of the best fighters outside of the UFC has just signed a multi-fight contract with the biggest MMA organization in the world. According to the American website 'MMA Junkie', the Dutchman Ridder's Reinier is now part of the Ultimate, however, there is still no forecast for his debut, which will be as a middleweight (up to 83,9 kg).

See too

European organization holds MMA event in stadium for almost 60 thousand people

Conor McGregor publishes results of anti-doping test and appeals for return to UFC

Khalil Rountree's coach predicts Alex Poatan will seek grappling to avoid exchanges with challenger

Ridder's Reinier

At 34 years old, Ridder was the middleweight (up to 93 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 100 kg) champion of One Championship, the biggest MMA event in Asia, between 2020 and 2022. With a record of 17 wins and only two losses, he was only surpassed by Anatoly Malykhin. His last appearance was in July at the UAE Warriors event, beating Magomedmurad Khasaev by TKO in the first round.

Despite representing a nation with a long tradition in kickboxing, the athlete's strong point is grappling. Ridder is a black belt in judo and jiu-jitsu, with 11 of his 17 wins coming by submission. He also won the silver medal at the European jiu-jitsu championship on two occasions as a purple belt.