Overview

• Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder both made weight at 185 pounds and completed their media obligations ahead of Saturday night’s main event at Etihad Arena.
• De Ridder reopened fire on ONE Championship’s leadership, accusing the rival promotion of financial mismanagement and stalling fighter careers since his departure.
• Khamzat Chimaev previewed the matchup by calling de Ridder a formidable grappler while warning that Whittaker remains a tough challenge for any opponent.
• Dana White confirmed that the UFC will not cover additional treatment for Whittaker’s fractured jaw, reversing the support provided after his last loss in Abu Dhabi.
• The clash pits de Ridder’s four-inch height and five-inch reach advantage and submission skills against Whittaker’s precision striking as each fighter pursues a path back to the middleweight title picture.