Reinier de Ridder

"RDR". That's what they call Reinier de Ridder, and is ranked #9 at UFC middleweight — close enough to smell the title, dangerous enough that champions don't say his name too loudly.

Wrestling is the skeleton key here — 2.6 takedowns a round on average. Everything opponents want to do standing gets interrupted, smothered, and dragged to the canvas. Add the southpaw stance and a 78" reach, and the puzzle gets harder still.

The last fight went to Caio Borralho (Decision - Unanimous) — a setback, and the interesting question is always what a fighter does with one.

Next up: Roman Dolidze at UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Rodrigues on August 23, 2026. Circle the date.