UFC Fighter Reinier de Ridder Reveals Severe Medical Issue

The former two-division ONE Championship titleholder details health struggles ahead of his next bout.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 3:06pm

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Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, has revealed that he suffered from a severe medical issue in his last UFC bout. The Dutch fighter said his blood work and other health indicators were in poor condition, leading to a puzzling performance for fans. De Ridder is now focused on recovering and preparing for his next fight in the UFC.

Why it matters

De Ridder's revelation about his health struggles provides insight into the physical toll that elite MMA fighters endure. It also highlights the importance of fighter safety and transparency around medical issues in combat sports.

The details

In his last UFC bout, De Ridder said that "on all levels, my blood work, everything was in the trash." The former two-division ONE Championship titleholder did not provide specifics on the nature of his medical issue, but indicated it was severe enough to significantly impact his performance in the octagon.

  • De Ridder last competed at UFC 326 on March 5, 2026.

The players

Reinier de Ridder

A former two-division champion in ONE Championship who is now competing in the UFC.

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What they’re saying

“Just on all levels, my blood work, everything was in the trash,”

— Reinier de Ridder

What’s next

De Ridder is now focused on recovering and preparing for his next fight in the UFC, though no specific date has been announced.

The takeaway

De Ridder's candid admission about his severe medical issue highlights the physical sacrifices and health risks that elite MMA fighters face. It underscores the importance of fighter safety and transparency around medical concerns in combat sports.