On March 7, Reinier de Ridder will step into the octagon at UFC 326 to face Caio Borralho. For the former two-division ONE Championship king, this is a crucial bout, especially after suffering a fourth-round TKO loss to Brendan Allen in late 2025. At 35 years old, every fight matters for de Ridder. Every adjustment counts. But beyond rankings and records, fans often wonder about the personal background of their favorite fighters. In this article, we will explore the ethnicity, religion, and nationality of Reinier de Ridder, shedding light on his family roots and background.
Born on October 13, 1985, in the Netherlands, Reinier de Ridder is of Dutch nationality. He hails from a small town called Alkmaar, located in the province of North Holland. Growing up, de Ridder was always interested in martial arts, and he started training in judo at the age of six. He later transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and eventually found his way to mixed martial arts.
De Ridder’s ethnicity is Dutch, with his family roots tracing back to the Netherlands. However, he also has Indonesian heritage from his mother’s side. His mother, who is of Indonesian descent, was born and raised in the former Dutch colony of Indonesia. De Ridder’s Indonesian roots have played a significant role in shaping his fighting style and mentality.
In an interview, de Ridder spoke about how his Indonesian heritage has influenced his approach to martial arts. He said, “Indonesian culture is very spiritual, and I grew up with that. I believe that martial arts is not just about physical strength, but also about mental and spiritual strength. That’s why I always try to stay calm and focused during fights, and I think that’s something I inherited from my Indonesian roots.”
De Ridder’s family also has a strong connection to martial arts. His father, who is Dutch, is a black belt in judo and jiu-jitsu. His older brother is also a black belt in judo and has competed in MMA. Growing up in a family of martial artists, de Ridder was exposed to various disciplines from a young age, which contributed to his well-rounded skill set in MMA.
When it comes to religion, de Ridder has not publicly spoken about his beliefs. However, given his Indonesian heritage, it is safe to assume that he may have been raised in a Muslim household. Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, and Islam is the dominant religion in the country. However, de Ridder has not mentioned anything about his religious beliefs, and it is possible that he may not follow any particular religion.
In terms of nationality, de Ridder is proudly Dutch. He represents his country in the octagon and has achieved great success in the ONE Championship and now in the UFC. However, he also holds a special place in his heart for Indonesia, the country of his mother’s birth. In an interview, de Ridder expressed his desire to compete in Indonesia someday, saying, “It would be an honor for me to fight in Indonesia, and I hope to make that happen in the future.”
In conclusion, Reinier de Ridder is a Dutch MMA fighter with Indonesian heritage. His family roots and background have played a significant role in shaping him as a martial artist. His Indonesian roots have instilled in him a spiritual approach to martial arts, while his Dutch upbringing has given him a strong foundation in judo and jiu-jitsu. As he prepares for his upcoming bout at UFC 326, de Ridder carries with him the support of his family, his country, and his Indonesian heritage.
