Reinier de Ridder was defeated by Caio Borralho at UFC 326, marking a significant moment in his career. The unanimous decision highlights the challenges he faces moving forward.
Did Reinier de Ridder’s career take a downturn with his latest loss?
On March 7, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Reinier de Ridder faced Caio Borralho in a highly anticipated middleweight co-main event. The fight ended with Borralho winning by unanimous decision, raising questions about de Ridder’s future in mixed martial arts.
Borralho’s victory was decisive, as he scored 30-27 on all judges’ scorecards. This win improved Borralho’s record to 18-2 in MMA and 8-1 in the UFC, while de Ridder’s record fell to 21-4 in MMA and 4-2 in the UFC. The fight showcased Borralho’s striking ability, as he landed a spinning body kick and a leg kick early on, setting the tone for the match.
Before this fight, both competitors were coming off losses. Borralho had previously lost to Nassourdine Imavov, while de Ridder faced a defeat against Brendan Allen. This context added pressure on both fighters, but it was Borralho who managed to rebound effectively. Throughout the match, de Ridder attempted multiple takedowns, but Borralho’s striking efficiency proved to be a significant advantage.
Statistically, Borralho demonstrated a higher output with an average of 3.44 significant strikes landed per minute compared to de Ridder’s 2.20. Additionally, the height difference played a role, with Borralho standing at 6’1″ and de Ridder at 6’4″. De Ridder’s reach of 78 inches also did not translate into effective striking during the fight.
After the match, Borralho expressed his determination, stating, “I wanted to KO this guy, but he’s so tall and awkward, I couldn’t get my punches right.” His comments reflect the challenges he faced against de Ridder’s physical attributes. Borralho also proclaimed, “It’s the comeback season, Joe Rogan, and no one is going to stop us Fighting Nerds to go to the f*cking belt, baby!” indicating his aspirations for future title contention.
Reinier de Ridder, once a two-division champion in ONE Championship, now faces a critical juncture in his career. The loss to Borralho raises concerns about his trajectory in the UFC and whether he can reclaim his status as a top contender. The fight highlighted not only his struggles but also the competitive nature of the middleweight division.
As the dust settles from UFC 326, the future remains uncertain for de Ridder. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his next steps in the sport, and fans will be watching closely to see how he responds to this setback. With the stakes high in the UFC, de Ridder’s next fight could be pivotal in determining his path forward.
