Reinier de Ridder looks back on Anatoly Malykhin KO loss: “It’s not that important”

At ONE Fight Night 10 on Prime Video, Reinier de Ridder will return to the circle for the first time since losing his ONE light heavyweight world championship.

At ONE on Prime Video 5 in December, de Ridder tasted defeat for the first time in his professional career. Not only did he lose for the first time, ‘The Dutch Knight’ was knocked out in the opening round by ONE interim heavyweight world champion Anatoly Malykhin.

After taking some time to recover, the Dutchman has been reflecting on his loss and how it feels to taste defeat for the first time. After going through the process, de Ridder has learned that, when the dust settles, his family's health is what is most important to him.

In an interview with The MMA Superfan, he said:

“Look, the kids are good. Everything at home is all right. This is all extra, right? I do everything to be the best. I do everything to win the fight, but it’s not that important, to be honest. If the kids are healthy and the kids are happy then who cares [about losing]?”

Watch the full interview below:

Before he returns to MMA, de Ridder will test his grappling skills in a submission grappling contest with Tye Ruotolo at ONE Fight Night 10 on May 5 at 1stBank Center.

The entire card will be broadcast live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Reinier de Ridder and Tye Ruotolo hype up their upcoming clash

ONE Fight Night 10 features a submission grappling dream matchup as Reinier de Ridder returns to face Tye Ruotolo in Colorado.

Whilst de Ridder may be known for his career in MMA, where he is the current holder of the ONE middleweight world championship, ‘The Dutch Knight’ is also known for his submission skills.

On May 5, he takes on one of the most acclaimed submission grappler competitors in the world right now, ADCC Absolutes openweight medalist Tye Ruotolo.

Ruotolo is no stranger to facing opponents that are physically larger than him and this will once again be the case when he takes on the former ONE light heavyweight world champion.

In a promo video released by ONE Championship to dial up the hype for this particular contest, the size difference was brought into question, with Tye having a history of defeating larger competitors.

At the ADCC tournament last year, Tye proved this once again when he defeated Felipe Pena, the former gold medalist who massively outsized his opponent.

Whilst de Ridder may be used to grappling with much larger opponents in MMA, where he is known as one of the best grapplers in the sport, he will have his work cut out for him against a true specialist.

Watch the pre-fight hype video here: