UFC Fight Night lands in Abu Dhabi this Saturday (July 26), headlined by a compelling middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and former ONE double champ Reinier de Ridder. Both fighters arrive with a point to prove, as the stacked card kicks off a critical two-month stretch for the middleweight division.
Whittaker’s Road Back: Scarred, Sharpened, and Smiling
Robert Whittaker returns to the octagon after a taxing loss to Khamzat Chimaev in late 2024 — a bout that left him with a damaged jaw and months of dental rehabilitation. But the Australian is re-energised, both physically and mentally.
Better than ever, and all paid for by Dana [White, UFC President] as it was a work injury.
He also clarified the extent of his injury, brushing off earlier reports: “My jaw wasn’t broken. My teeth got moved in... they were crappy teeth, so I just got rid of them.”
During his time away, Whittaker spent time with family, picked up new skills, and, as he put it, “focused on some other projects.”
That growth may now serve him well against the grappling-heavy De Ridder.
“He hasn’t fought anyone like me. I’ll be landing my mitts on him with my striking.”
De Ridder's Mission: Test the Best
Reinier de Ridder steps into the spotlight knowing Whittaker has only lost to elite-tier fighters in the last decade — and each of them went on to title glory.
Yet the Dutchman remains unfazed.
I won’t change my approach or pace – I think that's just kind of what I do.
“I’ll put it all on him,” he promised.
This bout marks a crucial opportunity for De Ridder, not just to make a statement, but to crash the top-tier of UFC’s middleweight ranks.
Yan vs McGhee: Clash of Journeys, Collision of Styles
The co-main event pits former bantamweight champion Petr Yan against late replacement Marcus McGhee, a hungry prospect who’s making waves with his relentless pace.
I am hoping for that… with a competent win this Saturday, I’ll make sure to cement my place as the next contender.
McGhee, who took the fight on short notice, embraces the underdog label. His journey — balancing entrepreneurship, debt, and family life — makes his UFC rise all the more impressive.
“How could you not be surprised?” he said about getting the call.
“Honestly, it wasn’t about the money… I was just grateful to go pro, to show up healthy, and to test myself.”
Stacked Undercard Offers Fireworks
Several pivotal matchups round out the card:
• Movsar Evloev (undefeated) vs Aaron Pico: A breakout moment in the featherweight ranks.
• Shara Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault: A must-win for Magomedov after a recent stumble.
• Bryce Mitchell debuts at bantamweight vs Said Nurmagomedov: A fascinating clash of American wrestling vs Dagestani precision
