LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 8: (LR) Opponent Gerald Meerschaert and Reinier de Reinier of the Netherlands during the UFC Fight Night Weigh-in at UFC APEX on November 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ridder faces off. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
The biggest free agent debut since Kayla Harrison earlier this year arrived on Saturday as “Dutch Knight” Reinier de Ridder entered the Octagon for the first time at UFC Vegas 100.
De Ridder, a former dual ONE middleweight and light heavyweight champion, was joined by 185-foot veteran Gerald Meerschaert.
De Ridder began using his height and length to land a jab. However, the former two-division ONE World Champion was repeatedly attacked by Meerschaert for not sticking his head above the center line. For the majority of the match, the two continued to fight on their feet, exchanging takedown attempts.
It wasn’t until the end of the second round and into the third round that a grappling exchange took place. Two high-level grapplers take turns taking the top spot and aiming for submissions.
With 4:26 left in the third round, Meerschaert scored a takedown and De Ridder scrambled to take the lead. Immediately after, De Ridder sank in an arm triangle choke and forced a tap.
De Ridder, who made his successful UFC debut, said: “If you need me at Madison Square Garden next week (for UFC 309), give me a call in the next few hours, because I might be a little drunk after that.” ” he joked.
Official result: Reinier de Ridder def. Gerald Meerschaert, via R3 SUB, 1:44 (arm triangle)
