Reinier de Ridder booked for UFC Sacramento return after two-fight skid

Former ONE star Reinier de Ridder will look to put an end to his recent struggles against one of the middleweight division’s toughest outs.

After a quick start to his UFC middleweight tenure, Reinier de Ridder has lost back-to-back fights and is fighting to get back into the division’s title mix. Several health issues linked to his recent loss to Brendan Allen postponed his quick ascent to a middleweight title shot.

At a time in which Sean Strickland reigns supremely over the UFC middleweight division, De Ridder and other top contenders are working to make cases for a title shot. Strickland could potentially fight Khamzat Chimaev in an immediate rematch following their instant classic at UFC 328 earlier this year.

That leaves De Ridder on the outside-looking-in when it comes to a potential middleweight title shot. But De Ridder has the chance to get back on track with an impressive performance against a fellow middleweight mainstay later this year.

Reinier de Ridder looks to snap rare losing streak at Anthony Hernandez vs. Gregory Rodrigues

As first reported by MMA journalist Leo Guimaraes, De Ridder will fight Roman Dolidze at UFC Sacramento on August 22nd. Another middleweight contender bout between Anthony Hernandez and Gregory Rodrigues headlines the card.

Dolidze returns to the Octagon after back-to-back losses to Christian Leroy Duncan and Hernandez. Before his recent skid, Dolidze won three consecutive fights, including wins over former title challengers Anthony Smith and Marvin Vettori.

De Ridder initially teased a move to the light heavyweight division after a loss to Caio Borraho at UFC 324 earlier this year. After the Dolidze fight news, it appears De Ridder will look to make at least one more run at 185 lbs before making the move to the light heavyweight division.

What is your prediction for Reinier de Ridder vs. Roman Dolidze? Let us know in the comments!