There are UFC fights, and then there are fights that make you hold your breath for five straight rounds. The UFC Abu Dhabi main event delivered just that as Reinier de Ridder survived a brutal third-round knockdown and battled his way to a razor-thin split decision win over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. It was the kind of war where both fighters left a piece of themselves in the Octagon—and fans couldn’t have asked for more drama.
The Story of the Fight
De Ridder’s Grit and Game Plan
The Dutch fighter Reinier de Ridder (21-2) showed why perseverance is as crucial as skill in MMA. Heading into the fight as the No. 13-ranked middleweight, he was seen by many as the underdog against Whittaker, a proven veteran with a reputation for explosive striking. Yet, de Ridder’s game plan was clear:
- Wear down Whittaker with grappling and clinch work.
- Land significant knees to the body.
- Control the pace in the later rounds.
Despite being dropped by a vicious right hand early in the third round, de Ridder bounced back, proving his ability to take punishment and adapt under fire.
The Scorecards Tell the Story
The fight ended with the judges split:
- Two scored it 48-47 for de Ridder.
- One scored it 48-47 for Whittaker.
According to UFC’s official stats:
| Fighter | Total Strikes | Significant Strikes | Knockdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| De Ridder | 169 | 124 | 0 |
| Whittaker | 100 | 91 | 1 |
The numbers highlight de Ridder’s pressure and volume, even though Whittaker had the most eye-catching moment of the night with that knockdown.
Co-Main Event: Petr Yan Is Back
Former bantamweight champion Petr Yan returned to winning ways by outclassing Marcus McGhee. Yan’s striking accuracy and control were evident as he won via unanimous decision (30-27 on all scorecards). This victory may place him back in the conversation for a top contender fight.
Shara Magomedov’s Redemption
After tasting his first professional loss to Michael Page earlier in 2025, Magomedov roared back with a dominant performance over Marc-Andre Barriault. All three judges scored the bout 30-27, underscoring his technical striking and renewed confidence.
What’s Next for De Ridder?
De Ridder made his intentions clear during his post-fight interview:
“I want that title shot. Give me Khamzat or Dricus. I’m ready for whoever wins at UFC 319.”
With Whittaker now losing three of his last five, this could be the moment de Ridder steps into the spotlight. A clash with Khamzat Chimaev or champion Dricus Du Plessis would be a compelling next chapter.
Top 5 Takeaways from UFC Abu Dhabi
- De Ridder Proved His Championship Mentality
Surviving a knockdown and rallying to win rounds four and five shows championship DNA. - Whittaker’s Toughness Is Legendary
Even in defeat, his composure and precision were on full display. - The Judges’ Split Decision Sparks Debate
Some fans felt Whittaker’s knockdown was the difference. Others argued de Ridder’s volume was undeniable. - Petr Yan Could Be Back in Title Contention
Yan’s dominant co-main event win reignites his chase for UFC gold. - The Middleweight Division Is Getting Interesting
With Du Plessis, Chimaev, and now de Ridder all vying for supremacy, the 185-pound class has never looked more stacked.
The UFC Abu Dhabi main event between Reinier de Ridder and Robert Whittaker was a clash of styles, heart, and resilience. De Ridder walked away with the win, but Whittaker reminded the world why he remains a fan favorite. With title fights looming, the middleweight division is poised for a blockbuster second half of 2025.
What did you think of the fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
