Reinier de Ridder claims he’s "still the same guy" despite devastating KO loss to Anatoly Malykhin

Former two-division world champion Reinier de Ridder is not one to sulk for too long about a loss. He recently reminded fans that he hasn’t lost the competitive edge to make a comeback, despite suffering a devastating loss to Anatoly Malykhin last January.

Speaking to SCMP MMA, De Ridder said:

“I’m still the same guy. Sh*t happens. I’m determined to get this stuff right and make good on last year. Thank you guys, hopefully we’ll make this into a good year, and let’s go.”

Reinier de Ridder put his light heavyweight belt on the line against ONE interim heavyweight world champion Anatoly Malykhin at ONE Fight Night 6 on Prime Video. According to ‘The Dutch Knight,’ he took the challenge on five weeks’ notice and therefore didn’t have the right preparation to compete in a heavier division than he needed to.

However, the Dutchman admitted that being over-confident led to his quick demise. Something he’d not like to ponder over for too long as he is now preparing for a massive matchup that is less intimidating than MMA.

The submission specialist is now booked to challenge BJJ wizard Tye Ruotolo in a submission grappling bout at ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video. The exciting match will take place in Denver, Colorado, on May 5 for the first time in promotional history.

Watch Reinier de Ridder’s full interview with SCMP MMA below:

---

Reinier de Ridder shows he’s back on the jiu-jitsu grind

As mentioned above, Reinier de Ridder isn’t going anywhere. Taking a small respite from mixed martial arts, ‘The Dutch Knight’ is excited to go back to his roots and try for a win in submission grappling. Sending fans an update on his training, here’s what de Ridder wrote on his Instagram:

“Back on the jiu jitsu grind. I’m taking some time off from getting hit in the head. But i'm working on getting better everywhere. Focused on the comeback. #newlevel #mma #onechampionship #boxing #grappling”

Watch the training clip below:

De Ridder competed in his first submission grappling match back in March 2022 at ONE X. He squared off against a decorated black belt and co-founder of Atos Jiu-Jitsu Gym, Andre Galvao. They both put on a high-level jiu-jitsu match from start to finish, but with no submissions, the fight was declared a draw. However, with bouts changing to a submission-only format without the possibility of a draw, ‘The Dutch Knight’ is excited to showcase whose grappling is superior with another highlight-reel finish.

Catch ONE Fight Night 10 on May 5, live on US primetime and airing live and for free on Prime Video for Amazon subscribers across North America.