Roy Meyer, a former Olympic judoka and three-time World Championship bronze medalist, has officially transitioned to mixed martial arts.
He signed with Levels Fight League, the largest MMA organization in the Netherlands, and plans to build his career in cage fighting.
Meyer believes his judo background gives him a strong foundation for MMA.
He is now focusing on adding striking techniques to his grappling skills to become a complete fighter.
"I want to make the most of the athletic years I have left, and that automatically leads you to MMA," Meyer said.
"You have a huge advantage with a judo background in this sport. The only thing you need to add is learning to strike and kick well."
His primary goal is to reach the highest levels of global competition, with a potential future in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
"I think about the UFC. It seems wonderful to me to fight there.
In addition, I also want to become a world champion and I want to fight in the biggest organizations in the future," Meyer stated.
Reflecting on his fighting style, the former Olympian explained how his judo skills will impact opponents inside the cage.
"When I grab someone, I immediately know where to go and how to take someone out.
But in MMA, you have to be able to do more than just lay someone on the ground and apply an armbar, for example.
In this sport, you have to be very complete. You can also give someone a knee, an elbow, or a kick to the face," he said.
Meyer also promised exciting performances as he adapts to the new discipline. "I am going to deliver an absolute spectacle.
I am only going for one way to win, and that is a spectacular one.
When it's my turn: don't blink, because it could be over in an instant," he added.
Levels Fight League Signing
Levels Fight League owner Donovan Panayiotis expressed enthusiasm over signing the high-profile Dutch athlete, joining other major signings such as Tyjani Beztati and Levi Rigters.
"Just like with Rigters, it is a huge compliment that Meyer is coming to us.
We invited him to an evening of our fights once, and after that, he was immediately convinced. I want that title, he said right away afterward," Panayiotis said.
Panayiotis highlighted Meyer's high-level athletic background as a critical factor for success. "Roy is truly a personality," he said.
"We are going to have a lot of fun with him and he can really fight well. He also has exactly the right mentality.
If you can stand at the Olympic Games, you can also take the world title with us."
Meyer previously tested his striking in a celebrity boxing match against former kickboxing star Melvin Manhoef, securing a victory.
He and Rigters are scheduled to make their official MMA debuts on September 26 at the Maaspoort in Den Bosch, sharing a card with fighters Ilias Bulaid and Endy Semeleer.
