Reinier de Ridder downplays Robert Whittaker and predicts how he will win at UFC Abu Dhabi: 'spectacular form'

Reinier de Ridder after his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC

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Reinier de Ridder and Robert Whittaker will face off in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi , next Saturday (26), in the United Arab Emirates. The Dutchman is so confident of victory over the former champion that he is already planning the method of having his arm raised, aiming to cut the path to the middleweight title fight (up to 83,9kg).

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“One win isn’t enough. I need to finish him ( Robert Whittaker ). I need to finish him early, hopefully spectacularly. …That would be perfect, or maybe Khamzat (Chimaev) will back out at the last minute and they’ll call me. We’ll see,” De Ridder said in an interview with the American website 'MMA Junkie'.

Reinier De Ridder predicts UFC 319 outcome

Dutchman Reinier de Ridder is betting on Dricus Du Plessis as the favorite at UFC 319, based on his experience training with both fighters. In his view, Khamzat Chimaev won't be able to secure a quick finish, while Du Plessis tends to improve in the final rounds, which could be decisive for a close victory.

“I’m still leaning towards Dricus because of the experience I’ve had training with both of them. I just don’t see Khamzat finishing him early, and I see Dricus growing stronger in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds. I see Dricus winning by a narrow margin,” said Reinier de Ridder in an interview with 'Submission Radio'.

De Ridder faces Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi

Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder are the main attraction at UFC Abu Dhabi . Photo: Montagerm Super Lutas

Before thinking about filling a possible vacancy left by Khamzat Chimaev , Reinier de Ridder has a more urgent commitment ahead. The Dutchman faces Robert Whittaker in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi , next Saturday (26).

Known for his victorious career in Glory, De Ridder made an immediate impact on his UFC debut. In his first fight, he submitted Gerald Meerschaert in the first round. He then faced Kevin Holland and repeated the feat, again winning by submission in the first round. In his most recent appearance, he knocked out the promising Bo Nickal , securing his place in the organization's middleweight rankings.

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