Today’s UFC Abu Dhabi event was headlined by a key middleweight contest featuring Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder.
Whittaker (26-9 MMA) had entered the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev in his most previous Octagon appearance at UFC 308 last October. Prior to that setback, ‘The Reaper’ was coming off back-to-back wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov respectively.
Meanwhile, Reinier de Ridder (21-2 MMA) had entered today’s bout sporting a four-fight winning streak, his most recent victory coming by way of TKO over Bo Nickal this past May in Iowa. The former ONE champion had gone a perfect 3-0 since joining the UFC ranks in November of 2024, having earned stoppage wins in all three of those contests.
Today’s UFC Abu Dhabi main event proved to be a wild back and forth affair. Robert Whittaker got off to a strong start, using his speed and angles to get the better of his opponent in the opening five minutes. However, Reinier de Ridder was able to battle back in round two, this after landing a big knee and then a takedown. The third round was absolutely hectic; Whittaker dropped De Ridder with a right hand and almost finished him off with ground and pound. Yet, despite the onslaught, ‘RDR’ was able to whether the storm before ultimately taking top position in the late stages of the round. The final two rounds were closely contested, with De Ridder landing his big knee and some body shots, while Whittaker worked to keep the fight standing while dishing out some good combinations. After 25 minutes of action, ‘RDR’ was awarded the split decision win.
Official UFC Abu Dhabi Results: Reinier de Ridder def. Robert Whittaker by split decision (47-48, 48-47, 48-47)
Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Whittaker vs. De Ridder’ below:
Big fight feels 👊🏼
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) July 26, 2025
Here. We. Go.#UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/fcAiGh09yl
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) July 26, 2025
Cross to high kick incoming
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 26, 2025
10-9 Whittaker. He needs to remain aware of those lethal RDR knees coming his way #UFCAbuDhabi
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 26, 2025
I thought DRICUS was most weird fight style in UFC but de RIDDER is doing everything to compete with him head to head .
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 26, 2025
Just keep throwing the jab And the knee if ur rdr
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 26, 2025
1-1 Whitaker getting tired
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 26, 2025
Roberts tired tired
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 26, 2025
RDR needs to have enough energy to throw the knees. Without his knees it’s going to be all Robert Whittaker. Great takedown control for RDR to conserve his energy to start throwing the knees again. Momentum RDR.
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 26, 2025
Rdr was about hit that dricus shit than Whittaker hit him with that chill out boy lmfao
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) July 26, 2025
2-2 going into the 5th! Can Robert use that experience?
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 26, 2025
Whittakers pace slowed and RDR’s didn’t. 2-2 All tied up! #UFCAbuDhabi
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) July 26, 2025
Post-fight reactions to Reinier de Ridder defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi:
I gave it to rdr
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 26, 2025
Congrats to RDR, that was a great fight. Title shot next.
I have a long long way to go but I will keep improving, getting better and maybe we rematch someday.
Congrats to RDR, that was a great fight. Title shot next.
I have a long long way to go but I will keep improving, getting better and maybe we rematch someday.
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) July 26, 2025
Great performance by RDR. Adesanya next? #UFCAbuDhabi
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) July 26, 2025
I gave it to rdr
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 26, 2025
With all due respect, I would knock out de Ridder 3 x wich round. All that said congrats for your win today , despite bad fight.
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 26, 2025
Congrats to RDR, that was a great fight. Title shot next.
I have a long long way to go but I will keep improving, getting better and maybe we rematch someday.
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) July 26, 2025
Who would you like to see De Ridder fight next following his split decision victory over Whittaker this afternoon in Abu Dhabi?
