Reinier De Ridder

Fighter Information

Reinier de Ridder (born September 7, 1990), also known by his initials RdR, is a Dutch professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He previously competed in ONE Championship, where he is a former ONE Middleweight World Champion and ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion. De Ridder was the third two-division champion in ONE history, having previously held the middleweight and light heavyweight belts simultaneously. As of October 21, 2025, he is #8 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
Full Name :
Reinier De Ridder
Birthdate :
07 September 1990
Birthplace :
Tilburg, Netherlands
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
193
Weight (kg) :
84
Residence :
Breda, Netherlands
Nationality :
Netherlands
Career Started :
2013
Current Team :
Combat Brothers
Rank Belt :
Black belt (Judo), Black belt (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
Reach :
201
Active Status :
From - 2013, To - Present
Ring Name :
The Dutch Knight

Biography

Reinier De Ridder, a notable UFC fighter, has made a noteworthy impact since his debut on November 9, 2024. With a strong foundation in judo and grappling, he possesses a versatile fighting style. Currently, he holds a professional record of 20 wins and 2 losses, including a four-fight winning streak in the UFC. Balancing family life and athletics, De Ridder’s path reflects dedication and potential for growth in the sport. More insights into his achievements and career await.

Early Life

Reinier de Ridder began his path in combat sports at a young age, starting judo training at just five years old. This early immersion in martial arts established a strong foundation for his athletic career.

As he grew older, he shifted into mixed martial arts (MMA), where he effectively utilized his grappling background to develop a versatile fighting style that includes both striking and submission techniques.

In addition to his martial arts training, Reinier pursued higher education, earning a degree in physical therapy. This academic achievement not only reflects his commitment to understanding the human body but also emphasizes his focus on injury prevention.

Before fully dedicating himself to MMA, he worked as a physical therapist and later became a co-owner of a gym, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for fitness and wellness.

Reinier’s path from childhood judo to a successful MMA career exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his continuous pursuit of excellence.

Family Life

Reinier de Ridder is a devoted family man, married to his wife, and together they have two children.

He emphasizes the importance of being present for his kids, prioritizing quality time with them despite his demanding MMA career.

His wife plays a crucial role in supporting his fighting path, contributing greatly to his overall well-being and success in the octagon.

This close-knit household not only nurtures a loving environment but also motivates de Ridder to excel in his professional pursuits, highlighting the balance he maintains between family life and his athletic career.

Career

Reinier de Ridder, known as “The Dutch Knight,” made an impactful introduction in the UFC on November 9, 2024.

He currently holds an impressive professional MMA record of 20 wins and 2 losses, displaying his skill with a four-fight winning streak and an undefeated record of 3-0 in the UFC.

His career highlights include a notable opening-round submission victory over Gerald Meerschaert and a TKO against Bo Nickal.

With a strong foundation in judo from an early age and a black belt in jiu-jitsu, Reinier has illustrated his versatility, achieving five wins by knockout and an impressive 13 by submission throughout his career.

Net Worth

Reinier de Ridder’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. His earnings in MMA currently total $50,000, reflecting his time in high-profile promotions.

Throughout his career, he has drawn salaries of approximately $20,000 for his fight against Aung La N Sang at ONE Championship, $15,000 for his bout with Kiamrian Abbasov, $10,000 for facing essential Vitaly Bigdash, $5,000 when he fought Leandro Ataides, and $5,000 for his match against Yushin Okami.

As a former ONE Championship champion and active UFC fighter, de Ridder’s financial prospects are strengthened by fight purses, bonuses, sponsorships, and growing popularity.

This suggests potential for increased wealth in future bouts, especially given his notable victories and rising status in the middleweight division. The shift from ONE Championship to UFC may further improve his opportunities for financial growth through merchandise sales and appearances.