News Summary
In a thrilling main event at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker via split decision. This competitive 185-pound bout showcased de Ridder’s striking prowess as he landed 169 strikes compared to Whittaker’s 100. The fight featured a significant knockdown from Whittaker, but de Ridder maintained control in the later rounds. This win improves de Ridder’s record to 21-2, while Whittaker’s record stands at 27-9. De Ridder expressed interest in the upcoming middleweight championship bout, underlining his status as a top contender.
Abu Dhabi witnessed a thrilling main event on Saturday night as Reinier de Ridder edged out Robert Whittaker to secure a split decision victory in their middleweight bout at the Etihad Arena. The fight, part of the latest UFC Fight Night event, featured a competitive showdown in the 84kg (185-pound) division that ultimately saw de Ridder improve his professional record to 21 wins and 2 losses.
The judges delivered a close scorecard with two of them favoring de Ridder at 48-47, while one judge gave the edge to Whittaker with the same score. This victory marks de Ridder’s fourth in the UFC and his third win in 2025, maintaining an undefeated record throughout the year.
Throughout the match, de Ridder showcased his striking and stamina, landing a total of 169 strikes, significantly outpacing Whittaker, who managed to strike 100 times. Despite this, Whittaker showed his resilience, notably knocking de Ridder down in the third round with a powerful right hand. However, he was unable to finish the fight while de Ridder seized control in the latter rounds through a combination of strikes and effective grappling techniques.
With this latest victory, de Ridder has established himself as a serious contender in the middleweight division. Following the fight, he expressed interest in facing the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, scheduled for UFC 319. On the other hand, Whittaker’s professional record now stands at 27 wins and 9 losses, raising questions about his future pathway in the competitive landscape of the division.
Fight Details and Highlights
The main event was marked by high-stakes action and a back-and-forth dynamic. In addition to the pivotal knockdown in round three, both fighters engaged in a variety of striking exchanges, with de Ridder effectively utilizing knees to the body as a strategic element in his game plan. The final two rounds proved crucial for de Ridder, who adapted effectively and used grappling to score points and maintain control.
Co-Main Event and Other Matches
In the co-main event, former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan triumphed over Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision, adding depth to an already exciting fight card. Additionally, in another middleweight match, Shara Magomedov secured a victory against Marc-Andre Barriault, also by unanimous decision. These matches contributed to a night of high-level competition in Abu Dhabi, highlighting rising talents and established stars alike.
Conclusion
UFC Abu Dhabi provided a thrilling spectacle for fans, punctuated by Reinier de Ridder’s hard-fought victory over Robert Whittaker, reinforcing the notion that the middleweight division remains one of the most highly competitive and intriguing segments of mixed martial arts today. As action continues to unfold, fans eagerly await the next chapter in both fighters’ careers and the looming title fight that could define the future landscape of the middleweight class.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: UFC Fight Night Whittaker vs. De Ridder
- Al Jazeera: De Ridder Beats Whittaker
- Sports Illustrated: UFC Abu Dhabi Full Card
- MMA Fighting: UFC Abu Dhabi Results
- Sherdog: UFC Abu Dhabi Play-by-Play Results
- Wikipedia: UFC Abu Dhabi
- Google Search: UFC Fight Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google News: UFC
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
