UFC Fight Night Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder: Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more
(Courtesy : UFC)
UFC travels to Abu Dhabi to deliver a banger card!
UFC returns to the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for another electrifying Fight Night event on July 26, 2025, headlined by a pivotal middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and the surging Dutch submission specialist Reinier de Ridder.
This highly anticipated card features a stellar lineup of established veterans and rising contenders, promising an action-packed evening of world-class mixed martial arts.
The event marks UFC’s 21st visit to Abu Dhabi and first since UFC 308 in October 2024, continuing the promotion’s successful partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi.
With Whittaker ranked #5 in the middleweight division, facing the #12-ranked de Ridder, this main event carries significant title implications for both fighters.
The card also features the return of former bantamweight champion Petr Yan against surging prospect Marcus McGhee, along with compelling matchups across multiple weight classes.
UFC Fight Night Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder: Main Card
The main card showcases five compelling fights across different weight divisions, each carrying significant rankings and career implications for the athletes involved.
- Main Event: Robert Whittaker (#5) vs Reinier de Ridder (#12) – Middleweight
- Co-Main Event: Petr Yan (#3) vs Marcus McGhee (#13) – Bantamweight
- Shara Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault – Middleweight
- Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa – Flyweight
- Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov – Light Heavyweight
UFC Fight Night Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder: Preliminary Card
The preliminary card features seven exciting matchups that will set the tone for the main card action.
- Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight
- Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal – Welterweight
- Davey Grant vs Da’Mon Blackshear – Bantamweight
- Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci – Women’s Strawweight
- Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
- Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen – Featherweight
- Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha – Heavyweight
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder – Main Event Breakdown
The headlining bout presents a fascinating stylistic clash between two elite middleweights at different stages of their careers.
Robert Whittaker (27-8-0), the former UFC Middleweight Champion from Australia, brings extensive championship experience and some of the most technical striking in the division.
Known as “The Reaper,” Whittaker has consistently competed against the division’s elite, with notable victories over Yoel Romero (twice), Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and most recently, Ikram Aliskerov via first-round knockout.
At 34 years old, Whittaker stands 6’0″ with a 73″ reach and employs an orthodox stance. His striking accuracy sits at 43% while absorbing 3.41 significant strikes per minute.
Whittaker’s takedown defense is impressive at 81%, though he averages only 0.80 takedowns per 15 minutes. The Australian’s championship pedigree and experience against elite competition make him a formidable opponent for any middleweight contender.
Reinier de Ridder (20-2-0), nicknamed “RDR” or “The Dutch Knight,” represents one of the most dangerous submission threats in the division. The 34-year-old Dutchman stands 6’4″ with a 78″ reach and fights from a southpaw stance.
His striking accuracy is notably higher at 60%, though he lands fewer significant strikes per minute at 3.25. Where de Ridder excels is in grappling, averaging 4.74 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 38% takedown accuracy. Most impressively, he attempts 1.4 submissions per 15 minutes, highlighting his elite ground game.
De Ridder’s recent UFC performances have been spectacular, particularly his dominant second-round TKO victory over highly-touted prospect Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines.
This victory followed impressive submission wins over Kevin Holland (first-round rear-naked choke) and Gerald Meerschaert (third-round submission). The Dutch fighter’s background includes being a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, holding both middleweight and light heavyweight titles simultaneously.
The stylistic matchup favors different aspects for each fighter. Whittaker’s technical striking, movement, and championship experience could prove decisive if he can keep the fight standing and avoid de Ridder’s takedown attempts.
However, de Ridder’s significant height and reach advantages, combined with his elite submission skills, make him dangerous in any grappling exchanges. The key will be whether Whittaker can utilize his superior takedown defense (81%) to nullify de Ridder’s primary weapon.
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight Showcase
The co-main event features former bantamweight champion Petr Yan (18-5-0) against rising contender Marcus McGhee (10-1-0) in what promises to be an explosive bantamweight clash. This matchup represents a classic veteran versus prospect scenario with significant ranking implications.
Petr Yan, known as “No Mercy,” is widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient strikers in the bantamweight division. The 32-year-old Russian fighter brings championship experience and an elite striking game characterized by precise combinations and devastating power.
Despite recent setbacks against current champion Merab Dvalishvili and Deiveson Figueiredo, Yan remains ranked #3 in the division and possesses the skills to reclaim championship gold.
Marcus McGhee, nicknamed “The Maniac,” has been one of the most impressive prospects in the bantamweight division. The 35-year-old American fighter boasts a perfect UFC record with four consecutive Performance of the Night bonuses, including spectacular knockouts and submissions.
McGhee’s power and finishing ability have made him a fan favorite, with eight of his ten career victories coming via knockout.
The key to this fight lies in McGhee’s ability to close distance and land his power shots against Yan’s superior technical striking and experience. Yan’s precision and boxing fundamentals should give him advantages in longer exchanges, while McGhee’s explosive finishing ability makes him dangerous in any engagement.
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight Battle
This bantamweight contest features two skilled grapplers with different fighting styles and career trajectories. Bryce Mitchell (17-4-0), known as “Thug Nasty,” drops down from featherweight to bantamweight for this bout.
The 30-year-old Arkansas native is renowned for his elite submission skills, including one of only two twister submissions in UFC history.
Mitchell’s recent form has been concerning, suffering consecutive losses including a submission defeat to Jean Silva in his last outing. However, his grappling pedigree and submission skills make him dangerous against any opponent willing to engage on the ground.
Said Nurmagomedov (18-4-0) represents the Nurmagomedov fighting legacy, though he competes in a different style than his famous cousin Khabib.
The 33-year-old Russian fighter combines solid striking with effective grappling, making him a well-rounded bantamweight contender. His recent victory over Muin Gafurov via guillotine choke demonstrated his finishing ability.
The matchup presents interesting grappling dynamics, with both fighters capable of threatening submissions. Mitchell’s superior submission skills could prove decisive if he can establish dominant positions, while Nurmagomedov’s more well-rounded game and recent momentum give him multiple paths to victory.
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault – Middleweight Clash
This middleweight bout showcases two fighters looking to establish themselves in the division’s competitive landscape. Sharabutdin Magomedov (15-1-0), known as “Bullet,” represents one of the most exciting striking prospects in the middleweight division.
The 31-year-old Russian fighter brings a devastating Muay Thai background and creative striking arsenal. Magomedov’s recent setback against Michael Page via unanimous decision marked his first professional loss, making this bout crucial for his continued ascent in the division.
Despite competing with vision in only one eye, Magomedov has delivered spectacular finishes and creative techniques that have made him a fan favorite. Marc-Andre Barriault (17-9-0), nicknamed “Powerbar,” represents the journeyman veteran with dangerous knockout power.
The 35-year-old Canadian fighter recently bounced back from a three-fight losing streak with a spectacular 97-second knockout of Bruno Silva in Montreal. Barriault’s experience against elite competition and Canadian crowd support make him a live underdog in this matchup.
The fight dynamics favor Magomedov’s technical striking and creative attacks against Barriault’s power and pressure. However, Barriault’s recent knockout victory and hunger to establish himself as a contender could provide the motivation needed to upset the highly-regarded prospect.
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa – Flyweight Contention
Rounding out the main card is a flyweight bout between Asu Almabayev (21-3-0) and Jose Ochoa (8-1-0). This matchup was modified when original opponent, Ramazan Temirov, withdrew due to a failed drug test, with Ochoa stepping in as a replacement.
Almabayev, ranked #9 in the flyweight division, represents Kazakhstan’s rising star in the weight class. His well-rounded skill set and consistent performances have positioned him as a contender in the competitive flyweight division.
Ochoa, from Peru, brings an 8-1 record and the motivation of fighting on one of the biggest stages in mixed martial arts.
This bout carries significant implications for both fighters’ ranking positions and future title shot opportunities in the ever-evolving flyweight landscape.
Date, Time and Venue
Where to watch UFC Fight Night Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder in India?
UFC Fight Night Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder will be aired live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv in India.
Where to watch around the globe?
To catch all the action of UFC Fight Night Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder, prelims, and early prelims, tune in to ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, while the main card will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
What time does UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi start in India?
The preliminary card begins at 9:30 PM IST on July 26, 2025, while the main card starts at 12:30 AM IST on July 27, 2025.
Is this Robert Whittaker’s first fight since his loss to Khamzat Chimaev?
No, Whittaker bounced back from his loss to Chimaev with a spectacular first-round knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov at UFC on ABC in June 2024.
How can fans in India watch the event?
Indian fans can watch the complete event live on Sony Sports Network television channels and stream it on the SonyLiv platform.
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