Here’s a bold statement: Reinier de Ridder is stepping into UFC Vancouver with a staggering 34-pound weight cut ahead of his Middleweight title eliminator—and it might just be his biggest challenge yet. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this drastic weight loss a recipe for disaster, or just another hurdle for the undefeated Dutch sensation? Let’s dive in.
Reinier de Ridder, the surging UFC Middleweight contender, arrived at UFC Vancouver fight week tipping the scales at a hefty 220 pounds—a full 34 pounds over the division’s 186-pound limit for non-title fights. Just three days before the official weigh-ins, ‘The Dutch Knight’ shared an Instagram Story of himself standing on a scale, sparking both concern and curiosity among fans. And this is the part most people miss: While de Ridder has never missed weight in his career, this extreme cut raises questions about his endurance and performance in the octagon.
For context, Bo Nickal, whom de Ridder famously knocked out earlier this year at UFC Des Moines, showed up 37 pounds overweight for that fight—and we all know how that ended for him. Cutting 34 pounds in 72 hours is no small feat, and fans are split. Some believe de Ridder is trolling, while others worry this could be his downfall. One fan even quipped, ‘Four weight cuts in one year is gonna be his downfall.’ Is this a legitimate concern, or are fans overreacting?
Skeptical viewers were quick to point out potential loopholes in de Ridder’s scale reveal. ‘Bro is wearing/holding like 20 lbs,’ one fan noted, while another joked, ‘Those Timbs are like 10 lbs alone.’ But whether de Ridder is playing mind games or genuinely documenting his weight drop, one thing is clear: his undefeated 2025 run continues to captivate audiences.
This weekend, de Ridder headlines UFC Vancouver inside Rogers Arena, facing off against No. 9-ranked Brendan Allen, a submission specialist eager to derail his title aspirations. The stakes are high, and the winner could be one step closer to challenging for the 185-pound title. But here’s the real question: Can de Ridder overcome this massive weight cut and maintain his dominance, or will it finally catch up to him?
In the co-main event, fan-favorite Kevin Holland takes on Canadian hopeful Mike Malott in a pivotal welterweight matchup. With so much on the line, UFC Vancouver promises to be a night of high-octane action. Don’t miss it—stream it live on ESPN+ starting at 4 p.m. ET for the prelims, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET.
What do you think? Is de Ridder’s weight cut a strategic move or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out MMAmania.com for live, round-by-round coverage of the entire event. For the latest updates on UFC Vancouver: ‘de Ridder vs. Allen,’ visit our comprehensive event archive. This is one fight card you won’t want to miss!
