De Ridder moves up to Light Heavyweight after weight cut struggles
The Dutch fighter cites a "metabolic crash" and physical decline as the reason for his switch from the 185-pound division.
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship Middleweight contender Reinier de Ridder is set to make his Light Heavyweight debut against Roman Dolidze on the main card of UFC Sacramento. The bout is scheduled for 22 August 2026 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, marking a significant shift in the Dutch fighter’s career trajectory.
De Ridder’s decision to move up to the 205-pound division follows a period of physical decline attributed to five consecutive weight cuts at Middleweight during his first year with the UFC. Standing at 6’4”, the fighter was a large frame for the 185-pound category, typically weighing around 215 pounds and requiring him to shed approximately 30 pounds for weigh-ins.
The toll of this rigorous process became apparent during his fight against Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver, where De Ridder suffered what he described as a complete metabolic crash. After a strong opening round, he faded badly and was unable to continue past the fourth round. Five months later, he attempted Middleweight one final time against top contender Caio Borralho, dropping a unanimous decision while fighting cautiously to avoid another physical collapse.
Following these back-to-back losses, De Ridder stated that the weight management process had taken the fun out of training and fighting. He noted that he was essentially dieting year-round to get his weight low enough to begin the final cut, which he said caused his body to break down.
The move to Light Heavyweight has already yielded immediate benefits for the fighter. De Ridder reported that during his first camp at 205 pounds, he has been able to train twice a day, a rarity for him at Middleweight. This improved training capacity suggests a more sustainable approach to his physical preparation for upcoming bouts.
The upcoming event follows a busy schedule for the promotion, which recently hosted UFC Vegas 120 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas. De Ridder’s bout against Dolidze will be a key fixture on the card as the organisation continues its 2026 season.
