News Summary
In a thrilling main event at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder claimed a split decision victory over Robert Whittaker, maintaining his undefeated status. The fight showcased remarkable skill and endurance from both competitors, with de Ridder securing his third win of the year. The judges scored the bout closely at 48-47, highlighting the fierce competition. Following the win, de Ridder expressed his ambition for a title shot against the upcoming middleweight championship winner. The event also featured notable undercard fights, further enriching the UFC Fight Night experience.
Abu Dhabi Hosts Exciting UFC Fight Night with Narrow Victory for Reinier de Ridder
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — In a highly competitive bout at UFC Abu Dhabi held at the Etihad Arena, Reinier de Ridder secured a split decision victory over Robert Whittaker in the main event, remaining undefeated in 2025. This middleweight (84kg/185-pound) fight showcased a intense display of skill and resilience from both fighters.
Fight Results and Scoring
The judges awarded de Ridder the victory with scores of 48-47, but one judge sided with Whittaker, also scoring it 48-47 in his favor. The close scoring made the outcome a split decision, emphasizing the fight’s competitiveness. This fight marked de Ridder’s third win of 2025, cementing his status as a rising star with an undefeated record this year. In total, de Ridder’s professional record improved to 21 wins and 2 losses, while Whittaker’s record now stands at 27 wins and 9 losses.
Fight Highlights
The fight was intense from the start, with both fighters exchanging strikes and grappling. Whittaker managed to knock down de Ridder in the third round with a powerful right hand to the chin, but was unable to capitalize on the moment and secure a finish. Throughout the match, de Ridder landed a total of 169 strikes, significantly outpacing Whittaker, who connected with 100 strikes.
In the final rounds, de Ridder gained an advantage through strategic attacks, including repeated knees to the body and effective grappling, which helped him win the last two rounds on points. The fight’s outcome reflected the judges’ scoring based on the volume of strikes, control, and fight quality.
Post-Fight Developments
Following his victory, Reinier de Ridder expressed his desire for a title shot, specifically calling for a matchup against the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout at UFC 319, featuring Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Under Card Highlights
The event also featured notable fights. In the co-main event, Petr Yan, a former UFC bantamweight champion, earned a unanimous decision victory over Marcus McGhee. Additionally, in a middleweight match, Shara Magomedov defeated Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision. These bouts contributed to a compelling UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, showcasing top-tier talent across weight classes and styles.
Summary
The fight night highlighted the talents of two seasoned fighters, with de Ridder’s win reinforcing his trajectory toward title contention. The event maintained high energy levels and competitive spirit typical of UFC Fight Night cards, leaving fans eager for future matchups in the division. The outcome also sets the stage for potential title eliminator bouts as fighters continue to vie for the coveted championship belt.
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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 RALEIGH WRITER
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