TLDR
- Reinier de Ridder announced he is moving to light heavyweight after losing to Caio Borralho at UFC 326
- The loss marked de Ridder’s second consecutive defeat in the UFC middleweight division
- De Ridder revealed the news while bringing donuts to his teammates at Kill Cliff FC
- He previously held titles at both middleweight and light heavyweight in ONE Championship
- De Ridder holds a 21-4 professional record with an 18-fight finish rate
Sources: mmafighting.com | mmamania.com | lowkickmma.com
Reinier de Ridder is leaving the UFC middleweight division after suffering back-to-back losses. The former two-division ONE Championship titleholder announced his move to light heavyweight on Instagram while delivering donuts to his training partners at Kill Cliff FC.
De Ridder lost to Caio Borralho by unanimous decision at UFC 326 last Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The defeat came just five months after he retired on his stool against Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver in October.
De Ridder Satisfied Despite Loss
Despite the setback against Borralho, de Ridder expressed satisfaction with his performance. “I came up a little short,” he told his teammates in the Instagram video. “I think it could have gone either way but I’m happy that I got my body back most importantly.”
Reinier de Ridder Announces via IG He Is Moving Up To Light Heavyweight
pic.twitter.com/FUuGg71Fml— UFC FIFTH ROUND (@UFCFIFTHROUND) March 11, 2026
The 35-year-old fighter from the Netherlands struggled to generate consistent offense against Borralho. He absorbed more damage throughout the three-round contest as the Brazilian used crisp striking and well-timed grappling to control the action.
De Ridder said he was able to complete three hard rounds at UFC 326, which he viewed as an improvement. “I think I have a lot more to show,” he stated in the video.
The fighter joked about his reason for bringing donuts to the gym. “I brought you guys donuts because I need you guys heavy, I need you guys strong because I’m coming at 205, baby,” he announced.
Returning to Familiar Territory
The move to light heavyweight represents a return to familiar ground for de Ridder. He competed at 205 pounds during his time with ONE Championship, where the promotion considers that weight the middleweight division due to different weight-cutting regulations.
De Ridder also fought at an even higher weight class while capturing titles at both middleweight and light heavyweight for ONE Championship. His experience at the heavier weight could provide an advantage as he transitions divisions in the UFC.
After his loss to Allen in 2025, de Ridder admitted he needed to make changes to his training and preparation. He felt exhausted just minutes into that fight, which ended with him unable to continue after four rounds.
The fighter said he corrected those issues before UFC 326, but still came up short on the scorecards. He currently holds a professional record of 21-4, with 18 of his victories coming by finish.
De Ridder entered the UFC in November 2024 and quickly made an impact on the middleweight division. He won his first four fights in the promotion, including victories over Kevin Holland, Bo Nickal, and former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
Of his 21 career wins, five have come by knockout and 13 by submission. He currently holds the No. 8 ranking in the UFC middleweight division.
The light heavyweight division is considered thinner than middleweight in terms of contender depth. De Ridder’s grappling skills and submission expertise could allow him to make a quick impact at 205 pounds.
