UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with former champions in the main fights and Marcus Buchecha's debut

Promotional poster for UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Disclosure.

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this Saturday (26) and brings to the public a series of very important duels for the high level of MMA. In the main fight, the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.) Robert whittaker tries to get back into the winning column by measuring strength against the Dutchman Ridder's Reinier, which in turn is on the rise and wants to replicate the success of One Championship in the biggest organization in the sport.

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The co-main event brings an unexpected shock to the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg). Former champion, Petr yan made himself available to receive the American Marcus McGhee in a matchup that could redefine the division's landscape. While the Russian is on a two-fight winning streak, his opponent is on a six-fight winning streak and hasn't been defeated since 2022.

Robert Whittaker x Reinier de Ridder

Robert whittaker e Ridder's Reinier are the main attraction of the UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Super Fights Montage

Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg.), Robert whittaker tries to recover from traumatic defeat to Khamzat Shimaev in October last year when receiving Ridder's Reinier. Two-time One Championship champion, the Dutchman is undefeated as a UFC fighter and gained recognition by breaking the unbeaten streak of BoNickal in May of this year. If he wins, De Ridder could jump from 13th in the rankings straight into the top 5.

Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee

P. Yan is a former UFC bantamweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

After defeating song yadong e Deiveson Figueiredo, Petr yan arrives in Abu Dhabi to face a different challenge. The Russian defends his third-place ranking in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) by facing Marcus McGhee in the co-main event. The American is on a six-fight winning streak and could jump eight places with another victory.

Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha

Marcus Buchecha debut on UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Jiu-jitsu legend, Marcus Buchecha debut in the biggest MMA organization in the world against the 15th ranked heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg), Martin BudayAfter fighting six times in One Championship and losing only once, the black belt has the opportunity to fight for a prominent position in the most prestigious category of combat sports in the next round, depending on his performance.

UFC Abu Dhabi Results

MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ridder's Reinier derrotou Robert whittaker by split decision of the judges (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Petr yan derrotou Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov derrotou Marc-Andre Barriault in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev derrotou Jose Ochoa in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Bogdan Guskov derrotou Nikita Krylov by knockout (punches) at 4min18s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce mitchell derrotou Said Nurmagomedov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): muslim salikhov derrotou Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at 42 seconds of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): davey grant defeated Da'Mon Blackshear via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Tabatha Ricci derrotou Amanda ribas by technical knockout (elbow and punches) at 2:59 of R2

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Billy Elekana derrotou Ibo Aslan in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Nguyen defeated Mohammad Yahya by technical knockout (doctor stoppage) 5 min into R2

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Martin Buday derrotou Marcus Buchecha in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)