Get ready for a jaw-dropping showdown at UFC Vancouver, but here’s where it gets controversial: Reinier de Ridder, the surging Middleweight contender, has arrived at fight week as a Heavyweight, tipping the scales at a staggering 220 pounds—a full 34 pounds over the division’s 186-pound limit. Is this bold move a recipe for disaster, or just another hurdle for the undefeated Dutch sensation?
Alexander Behunin, MMAmania.com’s social media guru and live event coverage specialist, breaks down the drama. De Ridder, affectionately known as ‘The Dutch Knight,’ shared an Instagram Story earlier this week (Wednesday, October 15, 2025) showing himself on a scale reading 110 kg (220 lbs)—just three days before the official weigh-ins. But here’s the kicker: this isn’t the first time a fighter has shown up drastically overweight. Remember Bo Nickal, who de Ridder knocked out earlier this year at UFC Des Moines? Nickal arrived 37 pounds over, and we all know how that ended for him.
Cutting 34 pounds in three days is no small feat—it’s brutal, to say the least. Yet, de Ridder has never missed weight in his career, leaving fans and critics alike divided. Is this confidence or complacency? Some fans are skeptical, questioning whether de Ridder is trolling or genuinely facing a massive weight cut. Comments like, ‘Bro is wearing/holding like 20 lbs,’ and ‘Four weight cuts in one year is gonna be his downfall,’ highlight the skepticism. But de Ridder’s undefeated 2025 run continues to captivate, whether he’s trolling or not.
This weekend (Saturday, October 19, 2025), de Ridder headlines UFC Vancouver inside Rogers Arena, facing the dangerous No. 9-ranked submission specialist, Brendan Allen. This high-stakes clash could propel the winner toward Middleweight title contention. And let’s not forget the co-headliner: fan-favorite Kevin Holland takes on Canadian hopeful Mike Malott in the welterweight division, adding even more excitement to the card.
But here’s the burning question: Can de Ridder pull off this monumental weight cut without sacrificing his performance, or will it be his undoing? Tune in to ESPN+ for live coverage of UFC Vancouver, starting with the ‘Prelims’ at 4 p.m. ET and the main card at 7 p.m. ET. For all the latest updates, check out MMAmania.com’s comprehensive event archive. And don’t forget to join the debate—is de Ridder’s weight cut a masterstroke or a mistake? Let us know in the comments!
