What challenges is Reinier de Ridder facing ahead of his fight against Caio Borralho?
Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE, is set to face Caio Borralho at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026. This matchup raises the question of whether de Ridder can overcome recent health complications and reclaim his position in the MMA world.
De Ridder has had a tumultuous journey since joining the UFC in 2024. He won his first four fights, showcasing his skills with notable stoppages against fighters like Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and Bo Nickal. However, his first UFC loss came against Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver, which marked a turning point in his career.
Following the defeat, de Ridder faced severe health issues, including anemia and a low red blood cell count. He described his condition, stating, “Just on all levels, my bloodwork, everything was in the trash.” These health complications led him to experience moments of doubt about his fighting career, admitting, “I might never fix this stuff. It might be over.” Despite these challenges, de Ridder has expressed a willingness to continue fighting, stating, “With the opportunity there, most likely I make the same dumb decision to fight again, because it was too cool.”
As he prepares for the co-main event against Borralho, de Ridder holds a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 3 losses, while Borralho boasts a record of 17 wins and 2 losses. The odds for de Ridder are currently set at +210 according to FanDuel, indicating that he is considered the underdog in this matchup. The fight is scheduled to start at approximately 10:40 p.m. ET.
De Ridder’s resilience will be put to the test as he steps into the octagon once again. His previous performances have shown that when he is at his best, he is a formidable opponent, capable of pulling off upsets, especially if he can channel the skills that led him to victories over top fighters like Robert Whittaker and Bo Nickal.
The upcoming fight not only represents a chance for de Ridder to bounce back but also serves as a critical moment in his career. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise above the health challenges that have plagued him since UFC Vancouver.
As the date approaches, the MMA community remains eager to see how de Ridder will perform against Borralho. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of his recovery and readiness for the fight, but his determination to compete is evident.
