Reinier de Ridder, the Dutch fighter renowned for his successful tenure at ONE Championship, has officially signed on with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), marking a transformative shift in his career. Scheduled to make his UFC debut against veteran Gerald Meerschaert at an upcoming Fight Night event in Las Vegas on November 9, de Ridder finds himself in a pivotal match that could define his trajectory in this new arena. Unlike many fighters debuting in the UFC against top-ranked opponents, de Ridder faces an established competitor whose extensive experience brings both challenges and valuable insights to their matchup.
With a professional record of 17 wins and 2 losses, de Ridder has achieved the prestigious honor of holding two titles within ONE Championship—both the middleweight and light heavyweight belts. This impressive feat showcases his versatility and depth as a fighter. Over his nine-fight tenure with ONE, he enjoyed considerable success, capturing the attention of MMA fans globally before experiencing setbacks in two consecutive title fights against Anatoly Malykhin. His resilience, however, shone brightly in his latest outing, where he rebounded with a decisive first-round TKO victory at UAE Warriors in July. This win not only halted his losing streak but also served as validation of his skill and determination, setting the stage for his UFC debut.
In contrast, Gerald Meerschaert steps into this matchup with an extensive background, boasting a record of 37 wins, 17 losses, and 12 victories in the UFC. Meerschaert holds the promotion’s record for finishes in the middleweight division, a testament to his dangerous submission skills and grant of respect within the MMA community. Recently, Meerschaert made headlines by submitting Edmen Shahbazyan, further establishing his prowess with a remarkable submission streak that includes surpassing the legendary Anderson Silva in career finishes within the weight class. This momentum indicates that he is not merely a stepping stone for de Ridder but rather a formidable opponent who can exploit any missteps with precision and expertise.
As both fighters prepare for this bout, the stakes are undeniably high. For de Ridder, it’s an opportunity to establish himself within the UFC, garnering recognition and potentially aiming for a title shot in the future. On the other hand, Meerschaert seeks to bolster his standing within the promotion and extend his finishing record, highlighting the competitive nature of this matchup. The upcoming UFC Fight Night card also features a variety of exciting bouts, including encounters with fighters like Cody Garbrandt and Luana Pinheiro, creating a buzz of anticipation.
Reinier de Ridder’s entry into the UFC promises to be an action-packed event, replete with potential for growth and learning for the rising star. Facing a seasoned fighter like Gerald Meerschaert ensures that the bout will be anything but straightforward. As fans await this exciting showdown, it’s clear that both the fighters and the audience have much at stake, and November 9 is bound to be a day of significance in the world of mixed martial arts.