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Whittaker vs. De Ridder Set for UFC Abu Dhabi Showdown

Former champ Robert Whittaker returns to the Octagon to battle rising star Reinier de Ridder at Etihad Arena, Yas Island on July 26

  • Publish date: Wednesday، 14 May 2025
Whittaker vs. De Ridder Set for UFC Abu Dhabi Showdown

The heat is rising in Abu Dhabi — and we’re not just talking summer temps. UFC Fight Night is officially heading back to the UAE capital, with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker set to face Reinier de Ridder in a high-voltage main event at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Saturday, July 26.

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The Aussie legend (27-8-0), known for his gritty fight IQ and memorable wins over the likes of Yoel Romero and Marvin Vettori, is hungry for a rebound. This time, he squares up against one of the UFC’s fastest-rising threats: Dutch sensation Reinier de Ridder (20-2-0), who’s been on a tear since joining the UFC in late 2024. His grappling? Clinical. His knockout of Bo Nickal? Game-changing.

“Iron sharpens iron,” they say — and this bout might just be the one that redefines the middleweight rankings.

The event, part of UFC’s continued partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is already shaping up to be a stacked night.

Other confirmed matchups include:

  • Nikita Krylov (30-10-0) vs. Bogdan Guskov (17-3-0) in a light heavyweight battle that promises heavy hits.
  • Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0) vs. Asu Almabayev (21-3-0), a flyweight bout packed with speed and skill.
  • Ibo Aslan (14-2-0) vs. Billy Elekana (7-2-0), a light heavyweight clash with major knockout potential.

Get your popcorn — and your Etihad Arena seats — ready. This summer, Yas Island is where the Octagon drama unfolds.

Read More: Mohammed Yahya to Make History as First Emirati UFC Fighter

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