Reinier de Ridder Secures Split-Decision Win Over Robert Whittaker in UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event
The win underscores de Ridder’s rapid rise toward title contention, prompting Whittaker to overhaul his strategy for a return on Australian soil.
Overview
- Reinier de Ridder defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker by split decision in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event on July 26.
- The victory extends de Ridder’s undefeated UFC record to 4–0 and positions him among the frontrunners for a middleweight title shot.
- Whittaker suffered consecutive defeats for the first time since 2014 and released a statement saying he will analyze the fight and return stronger.
- The veteran middleweight plans to regroup with his team and hopes to resume his comeback campaign with a fight in Australia.
- De Ridder’s aggressive, finish-focused style, honed in ONE Championship, has driven his rapid rise to high-profile bouts in the UFC.