Reinier de Ridder switches to light heavyweight to escape grueling weight cuts

Reinier de Ridder revealed that his upcoming fight against Roman Dolidze will be his first at light heavyweight, a move prompted by the strain of multiple middleweight cuts. He described how constant dieting and the physical toll of six cuts in just over a year made competing at 185 pounds unenjoyable, noting fatigue after his first-round encounter with Brendan Allen. The shift to the 205-pound division allows him to train without severe restrictions and has coincided with his recent enrollment at American Top Team, where he works alongside larger athletes.

De Ridder, a former two-division One Championship champion, said a spectacular performance in Sacramento could secure a top-10 ranked opponent for his next fight. He emphasized that the change is about preserving his health and rekindling the fun of the sport.