Reinier de Ridder first discovered his interest in combat sports at just six years old when he began practicing judo. His dedication to martial arts deepened over the years, and while attending university, he also developed a passion for Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which became an important part of his training routine.
In his hometown of Breda, de Ridder established a physical therapy clinic, allowing him to balance work with his ongoing commitment to combat sports. This setup enabled him to continue improving his skills while managing the facility.
From Amateur to Professional: Rise in the Fighting World
De Ridder stepped into the amateur fighting scene in 2013, and later that same year, he transitioned into professional competition. His debut fight ended in an impressive first-round submission victory using a triangle choke. This victory marked the beginning of a winning streak that showcased his growing dominance and caught the attention of major organizations such as the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC and ONE FC. Ultimately, he chose to join ONE FC, attracted by the opportunity to further advance his career under favorable conditions.
Impressive Start at ONE Championship
On January 25, 2019, Reinier de Ridder made his debut at ONE Championship during the event titled Her’s Ascent, where he defeated Fran Rong with a first-round submission. This was followed by wins against notable fighters such as Gilberto Galvao and Leandro Ataides, solidifying his reputation as an emerging talent in the sport.
His string of victories lasted until 2022 when he faced his first professional defeat. While defending the ONE light heavyweight world title on December 2, 2022, in Manila, Philippines, de Ridder was knocked out in the first round by Anatoliy Malykhin. He later experienced another loss against Tye Ruotolo at ONE Fight Night 10, falling by unanimous decision.
Transition to UFC and Continued Success
In a significant career move, Reinier de Ridder signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship on September 24, 2024. He made his UFC debut shortly after, on November 9, 2024, at UFC Night Fight 247, where he secured a submission victory over Gerald Meerschaert, continuing to demonstrate his grappling expertise on one of the biggest stages in combat sports.
Breakdown of Reinier de Ridder’s Career Earnings
Starting his UFC journey with a $12,000 salary for his debut fight, de Ridder saw his compensation increase to $18,000 for his follow-up bout against Kevin Holland. Prior to joining the UFC, his earnings from ONE Championship reportedly ranged between $500,000 and $700,000. These figures reflect his growing profile and success in the sport.
Currently, Reinier de Ridder’s estimated net worth stands around $700,000. When accounting for various sponsorship agreements, this figure rises by an additional $100,000 to $200,000, bringing him close to the million-dollar milestone. His achievements inside the octagon, combined with rising global exposure through the UFC, suggest his earnings will continue to increase substantially as his career progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What type of fighter is Reinier de Ridder?
A. Reinier de Ridder’s entry into the UFC middleweight division has brought new energy to the group.