The next UFC middleweight title contender could be decided today, when former champion Robert Whittaker welcomes Reinier de Ridder to the top ranks in Abu Dhabi.
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The UFC cage lands in Abu Dhabi with a star-studded card, headlined by the clash between former middleweight champion and fan favorite Robert Whittaker and rising contender Reinier de Ridder. Will “The Reaper” regain his classic form, or will the undefeated “The Dutch Knight” continue his winning streak on his way to a future title shot?
In addition to the main event, the night of fighting at UFC Abu Dhabi features other impressive bouts, including former champion Petr Yan facing promising Marcus McGhee, and Shara Magomedov looking to bounce back from his first loss against veteran Marc-Andre Barriault. MMA fans can expect a night full of action and drama.
'RDR' has been on a warpath since joining the promotion in November 2024, notching three finish victories, most recently crushing then-undefeated Bo Nickal with a knee at UFC Des Moines. Whittaker looks to maintain his top spot in the division and hopefully secure a rematch with one of the fighters from the UFC 319 main event later this month.
There, champion Dricus du Plessis makes a third title defense against unstoppable force Khamzat Chimaev, who flattened Whittaker's teeth in their fight at UFC 308.
At age 34, both men bring experience, but Whittaker’s bigger portfolio of elite-level bouts against fighters like Adesanya, Romero, Costa, and Aliskerov gives him a strategic and technical edge in high-pressure situations. His striking, built on precise footwork, feints, and blitzing combinations, is complemented by takedown defense that has historically frustrated most grapplers.
De Ridder, though physically imposing at 6′4″ with long reach and elite submission capabilities, is stepping up in competition sharply. His path to victory hinges on dragging Whittaker to the canvas early and deploying high-volume grappling. But Whittaker’s takedown defense (around 77–81%) and ability to keep the fight upright make it a tall task for De Ridder unless he lands takedowns decisively and repeatedly.
Robert Whittaker by Unanimous Decision (+350) or TKO (+165) is the most likely scenario. He can control distance with superior striking volume (50+ at -165 odds vs. De Ridder’s 40+ at -130 odds for significant strikes) and funnel exchanges into circles, darts and counters. His card is full of championship experience, including handling taller, rangy opponents, making him well-suited to circumvent height and grappling threats from de Ridder.
