In the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi , Reinier de Ridder proved he deserves a shot at the highest level of the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg). The Dutchman relied on grappling, dominated the space, and won by split decision after a true war against former champion Robert Whittaker.
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With the victory, Reinier reached 21 career victories, his fourth within the organization. Whittaker, meanwhile, suffered his ninth loss in his MMA career.
De Ridder and Whittaker lock horns in UFC Abu Dhabi main event
Whittaker began by exploring his movement and landing strike sequences. As he closed in, however, the Dutchman attempted a double-leg takedown, but the Australian defended well.
As the round progressed, Whittaker continued to use his speed to strike and get out, while De Ridder waited for the right moment to land a takedown.
During the break, Robert Whittaker 's corner urged patience to build up to the knockout, and the Australian followed his advice to the letter. He continued to rely on movement to touch and move away, wearing down his opponent, who couldn't connect with good strikes or complete takedowns. However, in an unexpected moment, the Dutchman took advantage of his greater height and landed a clean knee strike on the former champion, who fell.
Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whitaker at UFC Abu Dhabi . Photo: Reproduction X/UFC Europe
In the third round, Reinier came back fired up to try to seal the fight, again relying on his knees, which hurt Whittaker. However, the Australian responded with a precise counter that took De Ridder to the ground, narrowly missing the knockout. In the final stretch, the Dutchman secured another takedown, passed guard, and dominated until the end of the round.
In the fourth round, Whittaker was already showing signs of fatigue, while Reinier continued to accelerate and move forward, looking to define the fight, but without being able to surround the former champion effectively.
In the final round, Whittaker once again showed he still had the energy to burn. The Australian heated up the fight with his hit-and-run game, while Reinier insisted on grappling. Despite their efforts, neither fighter was able to impose their game clearly.
At the end of the five rounds, the judges awarded the victory to Reinier De Ridder by split decision.
UFC Abu Dhabi Results
MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Reinier de Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker by split decision (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov defeated Marc-Andre Barriault by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev defeated Jose Ochoa by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Bogdan Guskov defeated Nikita Krylov by knockout (punches) at 4:18 of round 1.
PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce Mitchell defeated Said Nurmagomedov by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Muslim Salikhov defeated Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at 42 seconds of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Davey Grant defeated Da'Mon Blackshear by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Strawweight (up to 52,1 kg): Tabatha Ricci defeated Amanda Ribas by technical knockout (elbows and punches) at 2:59 of round 2.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Billy Elekana defeated Ibo Aslan by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Nguyen defeated Mohammad Yahya by technical knockout (medical stoppage) at 5 minutes of round 2.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Martin Buday defeated Marcus Buchecha by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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