Reinier de Ridder mocks Paulo Borrachinha again after UFC provocations: 'Keep trying'

Ridder's Reinier has 13 wins by submission. Photo: Instagram.

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The rivalry between Paulo borrachinha e Ridder's Reinier gained even more prominence after the Dutchman's victory in UFC Abu Dhabi, in July 2025. In an interview with the website 'MMA Fighting', the former ONE Championship fighter responded to the provocations made by the Brazilian, who recently insulted him on social media with derogatory terms. He also dismissed the former middleweight title challenger's (up to 83,9 kg) attempts to promote a possible confrontation between the two.

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"He really wants this fight, I think. He really wants to get something. Keep trying. Keep trying, Paulo. You'll get there. It would be a good fight, really cool at the press conference, because he's a character. But right now, I don't think he's on my level," the Dutchman said sarcastically.

The exchange of barbs between the two began after De Ridder's victory over Robert whittaker, when Borrachinha criticized the fighter's style, even calling him an 'autistic fighter' and insinuating his sexual orientation.

The Dutchman responded, questioning the Brazilian's performance against the Australian and stating that Borrachinha is not yet at his level inside the octagon.

Reinier de Ridder is in high spirits in the UFC

Since joining the UFC in September 2024, Ridder's Reinier has stood out as one of the great promises of the middleweight division.

With an undefeated record in the organization, the Dutchman has important victories over names such as Gerald meerschaert, Kevin holland, BoNickal – the first defeat of the American's career – and Robert whittaker, the latter in a split decision.

With the victory over Whittaker, De Ridder reached the fifth position in the category ranking to establish himself as a strong candidate for the belt that belongs to Dricus du Plessis. Borrachinha, in turn, eased his situation by winning Roman Kopylov.