A loss used to mean the world was caving in around the former judo star - but not anymore.

Didier suffered the first defeat of his MMA career in an Urban Fight Night light heavyweight championship fight against Nathan Reddy (5-1) at UFN13 at Sydney's Whitlam Leisure Centre on Saturday night.

But despite falling to 6-1 in the unanimous decision loss - all three judges scored the bout 29-28 - Didier is planning to come back stronger and he'll be "back on the mat next week" to make it happen.

Think UFC legends Georges St Pierre, Randy Couture, and BJ Penn - all great champions that have bounced back from defeat to return to the summit of the sport.

Didier has been there himself - suffering Commonwealth Games heartbreak and missing out on Olympic Games selection were among the hardest things he's been through.

A shattered Didier retired from judo after a loss at the Almaty Grand Prix in Kazakhstan pushed him out of the top 22 Olympic qualifying ranking spots in May 2016, and the octagon was calling his name.

Didier put those setbacks behind him and he's looking to do the same again as he eyes a UFC contract.

"I've won and last many times in my career in all my different sports, but the difference is now that I really enjoy what I'm doing," Didier said.

"It doesn't change anything, a loss is only going to set me back a little bit. People still get into the UFC with losses all the time so it's just about being able to bounce back from this loss.

"I still want to fight in March in Canberra, so Ben [Edwards] and I will look to do that. We've just got to move forward now. Honestly nothing has ever changed with my mindset or with my goals.

"I've just got to try and get back on that win column as quick as possible."

Didier admits he felt gassed when he came out for the second round and he was left disappointed because he didn't make the most of his "opportunities to win that fight" and claim his second title belt.

"It could have gone either way, but we're fighting in Sydney against a bloke from Sydney. I'm not making any excuses, I don't want to ever leave it in the hands of the judges," Didier said.

"I had my opportunities in every round to put that away or make it more my fight, and I didn't do it so I have to live with the consequences."

Didier's impending return in March could be at a Brace event in Canberra, almost a year after he captured the Brace light heavyweight championship.

Didier's best mate and coach Edwards could be fighting on the same card in what is shaping up to be a landmark event for MMA in Canberra.