Robert whittaker was definitely not cut out to fight in Abu Dhabi. The Australian, who had already been brutalized by Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 308, returned to the city this Saturday (26) to face Reinier DeRidder and, once again, suffered a defeat — this time by split decision after a true five-round war.
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With the result, De Ridder reached his 21st career victory, his fourth under the UFC banner. Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, accumulated his ninth professional loss.
A balanced fight with twists and turns ends with De Ridder's victory over Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi
Ridder's Reinier defeated Robert Whitaker in the UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC Europe
Reinier DeRidder e Robert whittaker starred in an intense fight in the main attraction of the UFC Abu DhabiThe Australian started off better, using his movement and speed to land combinations and thwart the Dutchman's takedown attempts. Whittaker intelligently continued to undermine his opponent throughout the second round, while De Ridder looked for the right moment to close the distance and apply his ground game.
In the third round, the fight became more dramatic. De Ridder surprised Whittaker with a well-placed knee that knocked him to the ground, but the Australian responded with a counterattack that nearly knocked him out. Despite being injured, the Dutchman recovered and finished the round on top, dominating the former champion on the ground. From the fourth round onward, Whittaker's fatigue became evident, while De Ridder maintained the pressure, even though he wasn't fully effective.
Reinier DeRidder won Robert whittaker No. UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC Europe
In the final round, Whittaker showed grit and once again balanced the fight with his movement and quick strikes, while De Ridder again relied on grappling. However, neither man was able to fully impose their style. After five evenly matched rounds with twists and turns, the judges declared the victory for Reinier DeRidder by split decision.
But, if you didn't watch the fight, check out the best moments of Robert whittaker x Reinier DeRidder No. UFC Abu Dhabi in the player below!
FIGHT VIDEO: Watch the best moments of Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier De Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi
Amazing moment in Robert whittaker e Ridder's Reinier. Fight full of twists and turns. #UFCBR
— MMA Melotto (@MMAmelotto) July 26, 2025
Robert whittaker vs Ridder's Reinier go the distance!
How did you score it?! @AbuDhabiEvents | @VisitAbuDhabi | #inAbuDhabi | #UFCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/yObhAnFw8P
- UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 26, 2025
Split decision victory for Ridder's Reinier in the main fight of #UFCAbuDhabi!
[ @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #inAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/VymPTiKO0p
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) July 26, 2025
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)
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