“Keep reinforcing the positive stuff” - How Reinier de Ridder prepares himself mentally for fights

Reinier de Ridder has produced one of the most dominant runs ever seen in ONE Championship. At ONE on Prime Video 5, the double champion will put his light heavyweight world title on the line for the very first time.

On December 2 (US primetime), he will face interim heavyweight champion Anatoly Malykhin. The fight is live and free for North American viewers with a Prime Video subscription.

Whilst De Ridder has been able to defeat every opponent he has ever faced with his grappling skills, his mentality is just as important to his success.

In an interview with The MMA Superfan, Reinier de Ridder spoke about how he prepares for the competition by focusing his mind:

“I try to reinforce the positive stuff. So the more I reinforce the positive stuff, and I've been doing this for years, the more positive things come back, and the more positive thoughts come up. And that's kind of how I prepare mentally. Just keep reinforcing the positive stuff. Don't think about the negative too much. Let it let the thought come, let them go. And yeah, that's about it.”

Watch the full interview below:

In his next fight, De Ridder will face the biggest test of his year when he takes on a fellow undefeated world champion. Anatoly Malykhin has the size and power to seriously threaten ‘The Dutch Knight’ and ruin what has the potential to be an incredible year for the double champ.

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“Throw king” - Fans react to Reinier de Ridder’s expert throws and takedowns

The self-proclaimed ‘throw king’ Reinier de Ridder shared a compilation on his Instagram which left MMA fans in awe. Featuring his greatest throws and takedowns, the grappling of ‘The Dutch Knight’ is always a sight to behold.

At ONE on Prime Video 5, the Dutchman will need all of his grappling skills if he is to defeat the interim heavyweight champion Anatoly Malykhin.

With Malykhin’s power and size, getting the fight to the floor will be the key to victory for the defending champion.

Ahead of the toughest fight he will face this year, De Ridder posted the highlight reel just to remind everyone what he is capable of when he gets his hands on his opponent.

De Ridder wrote in the caption:

“My kinda #throwback ✌️”

De Ridder fans responded with the following comments:

“Bro Reinier I think you are the greatest man on the planet”

“Beeast🔥”

“The best Champion of One Championship!”

“Fight upcoming in December right? Good luck champ🤘🏼”

“🔥🔥🔥 up to the next 💪🏽”

After racking up two submission wins in middleweight title defenses, Reinier de Ridder could end the year in style by defeating arguably his most dangerous opponent yet on December 2.