Abu Dhabi, July 27, 2025
News Summary
Reinier de Ridder achieved a significant career milestone by defeating former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a split decision at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The judges scored the match 48-47 in favor of de Ridder, showcasing his striking advantage with 169 total strikes landed. This win improves de Ridder’s UFC record to 4-0 and positions him as a serious contender in the middleweight division. Meanwhile, Whittaker faces increasing scrutiny after his second consecutive loss. The event also featured Petr Yan defeating Marcus McGhee, and Shara Magomedov overcoming Marc-Andre Barriault.
Abu Dhabi – Reinier de Ridder achieved a major career milestone by edging out former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a thrilling split decision at UFC Fight Night held at Etihad Arena on Saturday. The judges scored the match 48-47 in favor of de Ridder from two judges, while one judge scored it 48-47 for Whittaker.
This victory not only improved de Ridder’s UFC record to 4-0 since his debut last November but also positioned him as a serious contender in the middleweight division. The match was fiercely contested, and de Ridder’s resilience was on full display, especially after being knocked down in the third round. He rallied to secure the win, a true testament to his fighting spirit.
Throughout the fight, de Ridder demonstrated a significant striking advantage, landing 169 total strikes compared to Whittaker’s 100. Despite the loss, Whittaker displayed his experienced toughness, showcasing why he has long been considered one of the top fighters in the division.
After the fight, de Ridder expressed his desire for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, set for UFC 319. This call for a title shot indicates de Ridder’s ambition to rapidly ascend the ranks of the UFC middleweight division.
In the co-main event, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan outperformed Marcus McGhee, winning by unanimous decision with all judges scoring the contest 29-28. Yan’s solid performance highlighted his striking skills and fight control as he seeks to reclaim his former title.
Shara Magomedov added to the night’s excitement by bouncing back from a previous loss, defeating Marc-Andre Barriault with a convincing unanimous decision scored 30-27 by all judges. Magomedov expressed admiration for retired fighter Michael Bisping, signaling his own aspirations for a championship in the near future.
For Robert Whittaker, this defeat marks his second consecutive loss and his third in the last five fights, leading to discussions about the potential trajectory of his career. Once regarded as a champion, Whittaker is now being seen as a gatekeeper in the division amid rising talents like de Ridder and Magomedov.
The outcomes of these matches signify a possible shift in the middleweight division, suggesting that younger contenders might be paving the way for a new era. Both de Ridder and Magomedov are emerging as potential stars with trajectories that could soon lead them towards title opportunities.
As the UFC continues to showcase explosive fights and rising talent, fans are left eager for the future developments in the middleweight rankings and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the main event at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi?
Reinier de Ridder won the main event against Robert Whittaker by split decision.
What was the score of the fight?
The fight was scored 48-47 by two judges for de Ridder and 48-47 for Whittaker by one judge.
How many total strikes did Reinier de Ridder land?
Reinier de Ridder landed a total of 169 strikes during the fight.
What does this victory mean for Reinier de Ridder’s career?
This victory improves de Ridder’s record to 4-0 in the UFC and positions him as a title contender.
What was the outcome of the co-main event?
Petr Yan defeated Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision, with all judges scoring it 29-28.
What is the current status of Robert Whittaker’s career?
Robert Whittaker has now lost two consecutive fights and three of his last five, raising concerns over his future in the sport.
Key Features of UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
| Fight | Result | Scores | Total Strikes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinier de Ridder vs Robert Whittaker | De Ridder wins by split decision | 48-47, 48-47, 48-47 | De Ridder: 169, Whittaker: 100 |
| Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee | Yan wins by unanimous decision | 29-28, 29-28, 29-28 | Omitted |
| Shara Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault | Magomedov wins by unanimous decision | 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 | Omitted |
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Additional Resources
- Al Jazeera: De Ridder Beats Whittaker in Middleweight Fight at UFC Abu Dhabi
- MMA Fighting: UFC Abu Dhabi Results – Whittaker vs De Ridder
- Vox: UFC Abu Dhabi Highlights
- ESPN: UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi Takeaways
- MMA Fighting: UFC Abu Dhabi Results – Yan Calls for Title Shot
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google Search: UFC
- Google Scholar: Mixed Martial Arts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google News: UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi
