Former UFC Middleweight King Robert Whittaker of Australia headlines UFC Abu Dhabi across from Brazilian fighter and former ONE middleweight and light heavyweight champion Reinier de Ridder. Since losing the UFC middleweight strap to Israel Adesanya in 2019, Robert Whittaker has assumed the role of gatekeeper to the 185-pound crown, facing would-be contenders. This weekend in Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder will take the Whittaker test, following a flawless transition from ONE to the UFC. The fight is shaping up to be a classic between two well-rounded and confident fighters, still motivated to contest for the title. The former UFC champ is the bookmakers' favorite to win this one.
Bet on Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder with Bet365
- MMA: UFC Middleweight
- Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, TNT Sports, Discovery+, Max, DAZN, UFC Fight Pass, Kayo Sports, Sky Sports Now, Supersport
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Date: 27.07.2025 01:00 GST
Robert Whittaker
Robert Whittaker returns to Abu Dhabi, following his previous outing, where he lost in the first round to Khamzat Chimaev. Whittaker enjoyed a full schedule last year, picking up two wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov, before dropping the fight to Chimaev. Since losing the title, "The Reaper" has remained a relevant figure in the company, contesting against top contenders at 185 pounds. Currently at number five in the middleweight division, Whittaker has remained in and out of the title discussion, especially as the middleweight class opens up. He lost a title eliminator in 2023 to Dricus du Plessis, with the current champion stopping him in the second round. In his last ten fights, Whittaker has lost four times, but a second look at the record indicates the quality of the opposition: Israel Adesanya, Dricus du Plessis, and Khamzat Chimaev.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 6'0"
- Reach: 73.5"
- Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
- Record: 26-8
Reinier de Ridder
"The Dutch Knight" may have arrived in the UFC late in the day, but he has made an instant impact, dispatching his first three opponents inside the distance. Reinier de Ridder started slowly against Gerald Meerschaert in his debut late last year before submitting him with an arm-triangle choke in the third round. In January 2025, he submitted Renan Ferreira in the first round of their fight and followed that up with a TKO of Bo Nickal in May, handing the unbeaten fighter his first loss. “RDR” will face his biggest professional challenge against Whittaker, in what will be the Dutchman’s fourth fight in 9 months. The 35-year-old is an experienced warrior who has become a double champion in the ONE promotion, holding the middleweight and light heavyweight titles simultaneously. He has only lost professionally to Anatoly Malykhin, who dethroned him for the ONE Middleweight title and also beat him in the light heavyweight championship fight. De Ridder has 13 submission wins from 20 victories.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 34
- Height: 6'4"
- Reach: 79"
- Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
- Record: 20-2
Betting Odds
Robert Whittaker is 1.55 to win on Betway, with Reinier de Ridder a 2.21 underdog. Whittaker to win by KO/TKO is priced at 2.62 odds on Bet365, which offers a submission victory for Reinier de Ridder at 4.00. On 1xBet, over 2.5 rounds is offered for 1.80 odds, while the under goes for 1.95. Read more here.
Bet on Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder with Bet365
