Reinier de Ridder announces weight class change after loss to Caio Borralho at UFC 326.

Ridder's Reinier after victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC

The negative result suffered by Ridder's Reinier No. UFC 326 It seems to have created a need for a change of scenery in his career. After the setback against Caio BorralhoLast Saturday (7), in Las Vegas (USA), the Dutch fighter revealed that he intends to move up a category in his next appearance in the Ultimate.

In a video posted on Instagram, the athlete appears talking to his teammates from Kill Cliff FC. In Reinier's first public statement since the fight, the Dutchman explained that the decision to leave the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg) came after a series of negative results that kept him out of contention for the title. The announcement was made in a relaxed manner, with the fighter bringing donuts to his training partners while revealing the change.

“I’m okay. I’m just sad, but I’m okay… I want to say thank you all for all the help. I fell a little short of expectations. I think it could have gone either way, but I’m mostly happy to be getting my body back… I managed to do three tough rounds and I believe I still have a lot more to show… I brought donuts for you because I need you to be heavy and strong, because I’m going for 93 kg, baby!”, said De Ridder in the video.

 

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Caio Borralho opens up about fighting with his hands down against Reinier de Ridder at UFC 326.

It's worth remembering that, before his loss to Borralho, the former ONE Championship champion had also been defeated by... Brendan allen in the main fight of UFC Vancouver, in October 2025.

Reinier de Ridder's MMA numbers

Ridder's Reinier in victory against Robert whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Instagram/ UFC

PUBLICITY:

Before joining the UFC, De Ridder built a distinguished career in ONE Championship. In the Asian organization, the fighter won the middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight titles, becoming the third athlete in the company's history to achieve simultaneous champion status in two divisions.

Currently, the Dutchman has 21 wins and four losses in his professional MMA record. His Ultimate debut took place in November 2024, when he submitted... Gerald meerschaert with an arm triangle choke at UFC Fight Night 247, held in Las Vegas (USA).