Reinier de Ridder Defeats Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi

News Summary

In an intense showdown at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder narrowly defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision in a closely contested middleweight bout. De Ridder’s victory improves his record to 21 wins and 2 losses, securing his third win of the year. Despite being knocked down in round three, de Ridder recovered and secured the judges’ favor with a strategic performance. Whittaker, a former champion, continues to remain competitive, now holding a record of 27 wins and 9 losses. De Ridder is now eyeing a title shot against the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship.

Abu Dhabi – Reinier de Ridder narrowly defeated Robert Whittaker in an intense main event at UFC Abu Dhabi held at the Etihad Arena, claiming victory by split decision in a closely contested match in the middleweight division. The bout, which was contested at 84 kg (185 pounds), showcased the skills and resilience of both fighters, ultimately concluding with the judges scoring the fight 48-47 for de Ridder, while one judge favored Whittaker with the same score.

This win improved de Ridder’s professional record to 21 wins and 2 losses, emphasizing his recent success as he secures his third victory of 2025. With this latest win, de Ridder maintains an undefeated record for the year, further solidifying his position in the middleweight rankings. Following the match, he expressed admiration for Whittaker’s toughness and striking capabilities, reflecting on the challenges he faced in the octagon.

Fight Overview

169 strikes compared to Whittaker’s 100 strikes, which ultimately influenced the judges’ decision in his favor. This victory also marks de Ridder’s fourth win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), showcasing his growing prowess within the competitive landscape of the sport.

Robert Whittaker’s Continuing Journey

27 wins and 9 losses. As a former champion, Whittaker’s ability to remain competitive in high-stakes fights continues to affirm his reputation as one of the toughest fighters in the middleweight division.

Looking Ahead

title shot against the eventual winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. This highlights de Ridder’s ambition and desire to climb higher in the ranks and ultimately challenge for the championship title.

Undercard Highlights

Conclusion

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HERE Resources

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 MILWAUKEE WRITER

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