News Summary
In a closely contested battle at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder claimed victory over Robert Whittaker via split decision. The fight saw de Ridder displaying remarkable endurance and grappling skills, landing a total of 169 strikes compared to Whittaker’s 100. Despite being knocked down in the third round, de Ridder’s strategic adjustments led him to secure his fourth win in the UFC. He expressed interest in a title shot against the upcoming middleweight championship bout’s winner, highlighting the competitive nature of the division.
Abu Dhabi – Reinier de Ridder triumphed over Robert Whittaker in a thrilling split decision at the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi held at the Etihad Arena. This highly anticipated fight took place in the middleweight division, featuring an 84kg (185-pound) bout.
The judges delivered a close scoring, with two of them favoring de Ridder with scores of 48-47, while one judge awarded the same score to Whittaker. With this victory, de Ridder’s professional record improved to 21 wins and 2 losses, keeping his undefeated streak intact for 2025 with three wins this year.
De Ridder’s performance was marked by endurance and versatility. Although he was knocked down in the third round by Whittaker’s powerful right hand, he recovered and adjusted his strategy to secure victory. He managed to land a striking total of 169 strikes throughout the fight, significantly outpacing Whittaker, who landed 100 strikes. In the final two rounds, de Ridder capitalized on his grappling skills and deployed repeated knees to the body against Whittaker, which ultimately tilted the judges in his favor.
This match marked an important milestone for de Ridder as it was his fourth win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Following his victory, he expressed interest in a title shot against the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, scheduled for UFC 319.
On the undercard of this event, the co-main event featured Petr Yan, the former UFC bantamweight champion, who secured a unanimous decision victory over Marcus McGhee. Another middleweight fight saw Shara Magomedov winning decisively against Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision. The card showcased a variety of high-stakes matchups, contributing to an overall thrilling night for UFC fans in Abu Dhabi.
Whittaker, after this fight, now holds a professional record of 27 wins and 9 losses. Despite the defeat, his reputation as a tough and durable fighter remains intact, evidenced by his ability to knock down de Ridder and remain competitive against one of the top contenders in the division.
The UFC Abu Dhabi event not only highlighted individual performances but also served as a reminder of the excitement that mixed martial arts can bring, with top fighters vying for supremacy. Moving forward, de Ridder’s aspirations for a title shot reflect the competitive nature of the sport, as fighters continuously chase opportunities for championships and legacy.
As the UFC continues to grow globally, events such as these in Abu Dhabi reinforce the promotion’s commitment to delivering high-level matchups and exceptional fighter showcases. The anticipation for the future title fight is already building, as fans await the outcomes of the upcoming bouts that will further shape the middleweight division.
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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 BALTIMORE WRITER
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