UFC CEO Dana White has unveiled a stacked fight card for UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 26, featuring two five-round showdowns and six confirmed bouts at the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
Topping the bill is a blockbuster middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and surging Dutch star Reinier de Ridder, who is undefeated in the UFC and gunning for a title eliminator.
De Ridder is a former middleweight and light heavyweight world champion and has finished everyone he’s fought in the UFC. He’s coming off a win over the top prospect in the sport, Bo Nickal. If he can beat Whittaker, it’s very likely he’ll be fighting for the No.1 contender spot next.
White added, “I’m pumped for this fight because these guys are both killers — and they always come out and deliver.”
De Ridder (3-0 UFC) has made a seamless transition from ONE Championship and now faces his toughest test yet in the battle-hardened Whittaker, who remains a top contender at 185 pounds.
The co-main event pits undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev against promotional newcomer Aaron Pico in what could be a future title eliminator at 145 lbs.
Evloev, riding an eight-fight UFC win streak, most recently defeated Aljamain Sterling via unanimous decision at UFC 310. Pico — one of MMA’s most-hyped signings and a former Bellator standout — brings a 13-4 record and explosive potential to the Octagon.
Aaron Pico is a ridiculously violent striker and a very high-level grappler. He’s had hype behind him since he was a teenager. People compare him to guys like Justin Gaethje or Dustin Poirier.
“If Evloev can get the win, he’s likely next in line for a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. Expect this fight to be an absolute war.”
The night also features the return of former bantamweight champion Petr Yan, who takes on rising contender Marcus McGhee. Yan is coming off a strong 2024 with back-to-back wins over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo.
Other confirmed matchups on the card include:
• Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
• Shara Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight)
• Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
This marks the 21st UFC event in Abu Dhabi since 2010, underlining the capital’s reputation as one of MMA’s premier global destinations.
