Whittaker vs. De Ridder Headlines UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi
So here’s what’s going down this weekend in the MMA world — UFC Fight Night is lighting up Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 26, and it’s headlined by a seriously intriguing middleweight clash: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier De Ridder. It’s taking place at the Etihad Arena, and for fans of high-level mixed martial arts, this one’s worth tuning in for.
Now, let’s break down the fight. Robert Whittaker — the former middleweight champ — is stepping into the Octagon for the first time in 2025. He comes in with a solid record of 27 wins and 8 losses, but he’s definitely looking for redemption after how last year ended. His last bout, back in October 2024 at UFC 308, ended in a disappointing first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev. So yeah, Whittaker has something to prove — not just to fans, but to himself.
On the flip side, Reinier De Ridder is red hot right now. He boasts a 20-2 record and is riding a four-fight win streak. This will actually be his third fight of the year — he’s been busy. Earlier in 2025, he picked up solid wins over Kevin Holland at UFC 311 in January and Bo Nickal in May during another UFC Fight Night. His momentum is undeniable, and many see him as Whittaker’s toughest test in a long while.
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So, how do you watch this action-packed event? The full UFC Fight Night coverage kicks off at 12 p.m. ET . You can catch the prelims on ESPN, ESPN+ , or even Disney+ if that's your streaming platform of choice. Then, the main card starts at 3 p.m. ET and will also air on ABC , along with the streaming options.
Whether you're tuning in for the return of Whittaker or the rise of De Ridder, this fight has major implications for the middleweight division. A win could catapult De Ridder into title contention — while for Whittaker, it’s about bouncing back and staying relevant in a stacked division.
Either way, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi this Saturday. Set your reminders, charge your devices, and get ready for some fireworks in the Octagon.
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