Former two-division king Reinier de Ridder resurfaces, teases return to defend middleweight belt

After suffering his first career loss, Reinier de Ridder looks to be ready for a return to the Circle in 2023.

‘The Dutch Knight’ relinquished the ONE light heavyweight world title to current ONE interim heavyweight world champion Anatoly Malykhin in the ONE on Prime Video 5 main event this past December. It was de Ridder’s first career loss in mixed martial arts, but the Dutchman still has one world title around his waist and is ready to defend it in the new year.

In a post on Instagram, de Ridder shared a picture of himself holding the 26.4 pounds of gold with the caption:

“2023 defending what’s mine. 🫡 MIDLEWEIGHTCHAMP @onechampionship”

Though it looks like ‘The Dutch Knight’ may be done with the light heavyweight title, Anatoly Malykhin may not be done with him just yet. After smashing de Ridder in the first round of their champion vs. champion clash, the Russian juggernaut teased the possibility of moving down even further to challenge for Reinier de Ridder’s last remaining title.

Typically competing at heavyweight, skeptics are uncertain if Malykhin could safely drop two weight classes and challenge for a third world title. Should he find a way, this would likely be near the top of fans’ wish lists in 2023.

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ONE CEO doesn’t expect Reinier de Ridder to ask for a rematch with Anatoly Malykhin

Going into the bout as a general consensus favorite based on his impeccable Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, Reinier de Ridder received a rude awakening against Anatoly Malykhin at ONE on Prime Video 5. So much so that even the CEO of ONE Championship, Chatri Sityodtong, doubts ‘The Dutch Knight’ will want to be locked in a cage with Malykhin again.

Sharing his thoughts on the bout and the possibility of a rematch between the two at the event’s post-fight press conference, the ONE CEO said:

“I think this kind of beating changes a fighter, it really does. When RDR ever did that fight, I think they're going to be very hesitant about ever wanting to face Anatoly again. As I said, a lot of people predicted that RDR would take him down and submit him - a lot.”

Aside from the Instagram post referenced above, Reinier de Ridder has remained largely quiet following his first career loss, but he did update fans on social media, letting them know he still had plenty to be thankful for:

"I'm ok sweet people. Took a chance and it didn't work out well this time. Life is still good. Happy to be going back to my wife and kids."

Watch his rise below: