Reinier de Ridder entered UFC Vegas 100 with high hopes and heavy expectations. As a former two-division champ in ONE Championship, ‘The Dutch Knight’ had already carved out an impressive reputation. Known for his grappling prowess and a solid submission game, he looked set to make waves in the UFC. But while the hype was there, his debut wasn’t exactly the fireworks show fans might have anticipated.

Taking on Gerald Meerschaert, a seasoned veteran of the Octagon, de Ridder went toe-to-toe with him and ultimately secured a hard-fought victory. But this debut was about more than just a win – it marked the beginning of a new chapter in his journey, one that wouldn’t be possible without the trust of the UFC and Dana White!

Dana White and UFC Team thanked despite mixed reactions to Reinier de Ridder’s debut win

From the first bell, it was clear Reinier de Ridder had his work cut out for him. Gerald Meerschaert’s boxing skill was on display early, landing sharp punches that forced de Ridder to make quick adjustments. The first round didn’t go as de Ridder might have hoped. But by the second, he leaned into his strength, taking Meerschaert down and establishing control on the mat. For a moment, it seemed like he might have been turning the tide.

But the final round was where de Ridder had his breakthrough. Meerschaert came out strong, initiating a takedown attempt to finish on top. But de Ridder countered with a trip, and what followed was a nail-biting series of reversals, each fighter scrambling for the upper hand. Then, in a flash, de Ridder locked in an arm-triangle choke, and just like that, the fight was over.

Fans might have expected a more dominant debut, but Meerschaert reminded everyone of the UFC’s level of talent. In the aftermath, de Ridder’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, took to social media to express his gratitude and shared on X, “Reinier de Ridder thank you ufc @Mickmaynard2@ufc For give him an opportunity. This is the moment I’m so grateful for. when people believe in you and give you an opportunity [to] feed your kids without anything else”

It was a heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply, a reminder that behind every fighter lies a life of struggle, sacrifice, and dreams waiting to be fulfilled. And even in the face of criticism, Dana White’s team received rare praise for giving de Ridder this chance. So where does ‘The Dutch Knight’ go from here?

‘The Dutch Knight’ tells the UFC to “call” him for Madison Square Garden

Reinier de Ridder’s UFC debut may not have been a flawless triumph, but it marked the arrival of a fighter with heart, grit, and gratitude. And while his performance didn’t dazzle as he might have hoped for, he’s not done just yet. His plans? Being a part of the upcoming UFC 309 card at Madison Square Garden!

As the dust settled over his victory at UFC Vegas 100, Michael Bisping asked him a pressing question in the post-fight interview, “What does the future hold for Reinier de Ridder?”. With a twinkle in his eye, de Ridder hinted at something bold.

He stated, “We talk to the brass maybe because New York is on the way home. So if you guys need me at, what’s it? Madison Square Garden. If you guys need me there next week, give me a call in a couple of hours because, after that, I might be a little drunk.”

Will de Ridder return to the Octagon so soon, this time at the iconic Madison Square Garden? Only time will tell. For now, he’s proven that even an imperfect debut can reveal the heart of a champion and that Dana White and the UFC’s eye for spotting talent is praise-worthy. What did you think about ‘The Dutch Knight’s Octagon debut? Let us know in the comments below!