Reinierde Ridder believes his light heavyweight move puts the fun backinto fighting.
He's competed at middleweight during his Ultimate Fighting Championship run so far. However, followingback-to-back losses at 185 pounds, de Ridder committed to the205-pound division after enduring six weight cuts in just over ayear.
Ahead of his UFC light heavyweight debut against RomanDolidze at UFC Sacramento, de Ridder opened up about the difficult weightcuts at middleweight that made the overall experienceunenjoyable.
"It took all the fun out of fighting," de Ridder said at UFCSacramento media day. "I was basically dieting year-round,struggling to get close year-round, so it was time."
The Dutchman said his body began showing the effects of repeatedcuts, particularly after his first-round fight with BrendanAllen left him exhausted.
"I think that was just too much," de Ridder added. "It basicallypushed my body way too far."
The move to light heavyweight has allowed de Ridder to train andeat without the same restrictions. He also recently joined American Top Team, where he regularly trains with largerfighters. The former two-division OneChampionship ***** leholder is eyeing a top-ranked opponent if hebeats Dolidze.
"If I do well this weekend and I can get a spectacular finish, nextone is going to be Top 10 for sure," he added.
#ridder #division
He's competed at middleweight during his Ultimate Fighting Championship run so far. However, followingback-to-back losses at 185 pounds, de Ridder committed to the205-pound division after enduring six weight cuts in just over ayear.
Ahead of his UFC light heavyweight debut against RomanDolidze at UFC Sacramento, de Ridder opened up about the difficult weightcuts at middleweight that made the overall experienceunenjoyable.
"It took all the fun out of fighting," de Ridder said at UFCSacramento media day. "I was basically dieting year-round,struggling to get close year-round, so it was time."
The Dutchman said his body began showing the effects of repeatedcuts, particularly after his first-round fight with BrendanAllen left him exhausted.
"I think that was just too much," de Ridder added. "It basicallypushed my body way too far."
The move to light heavyweight has allowed de Ridder to train andeat without the same restrictions. He also recently joined American Top Team, where he regularly trains with largerfighters. The former two-division OneChampionship ***** leholder is eyeing a top-ranked opponent if hebeats Dolidze.
"If I do well this weekend and I can get a spectacular finish, nextone is going to be Top 10 for sure," he added.
#ridder #division
1 day ago
