News Summary
In a thrilling main event at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder narrowly defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision, marking his third victory of the year. The fight showcased De Ridder’s striking and grappling skills, with judges scoring the match 48-47 in his favor. Despite a strong performance from Whittaker, who knocked De Ridder down in the third round, De Ridder maintained dominance in the later rounds. This win solidifies De Ridder’s status in the middleweight division and positions him as a potential title challenger.
Abu Dhabi: Reinier de Ridder Edges Robert Whittaker in Epic Split Decision at UFC Abu Dhabi
Reinier de Ridder achieved a thrilling split decision victory over Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi held at the Etihad Arena. The highly anticipated middleweight bout, which featured an 84kg (185-pound) clash, showcased the skills and determination of both fighters.
De Ridder’s victory improved his professional record to 21 wins and just 2 losses, marking him as a formidable contender in the middleweight division. The fight was closely contested, with judges scoring it 48-47 in favor of De Ridder, while one judge scored it 48-47 for Whittaker. This match also signifies de Ridder’s third win in 2025, maintaining his undefeated streak this year.
Throughout the fight, De Ridder displayed a dominant performance, landing a remarkable total of 169 strikes against Whittaker’s 100. Although Whittaker managed to knock De Ridder down in the third round with a powerful right hand, he was unable to capitalize on the moment and secure a finish. De Ridder’s strategy proved effective as he won the final two rounds, employing repeated knees to the body and effective grappling techniques.
Fight Highlights
This matchup showcased a blend of striking and grappling techniques from both fighters. De Ridder’s durability was on display, allowing him to withstand the considerable striking power of Whittaker, who has built a reputation for being a tough and resilient competitor. Following the fight, De Ridder acknowledged Whittaker’s toughness, emphasizing the former champion’s ability to absorb significant damage and continue fighting.
With this victory, De Ridder has now secured four wins in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), further solidifying his position in the division and raising his profile as a potential title challenger.
Future Aspirations
After his victory, De Ridder expressed interest in competing for the title, calling for a shot against the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. This call-out reflects De Ridder’s ambition and readiness to vie for championship glory in his division.
Undercard Performances
The UFC Fight Night event in Abu Dhabi also featured an exciting co-main event where former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision. Additionally, in another middleweight clash, Shara Magomedov secured a victory against Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision as well. These matchups contributed to an electrifying fight card that showcased a variety of high-level matchups across different weight classes.
As the dust settles from the event, UFC fans are left buzzing about De Ridder’s impressive performance and what the future holds for both him and Whittaker. With De Ridder’s growing list of accomplishments and Whittaker’s established legacy, the middleweight division is set for compelling narratives as it moves forward into 2025 and beyond.
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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
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