In an electrifying UFC Abu Dhabi event held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, Reinier de Ridder secured a significant victory over former champion Robert Whittaker by split decision, further solidifying his status as a top contender. The co-main event also showcased Petr Yan’s unanimous decision win against Marcus McGhee, extending his winning streak to three. However, fighters Amanda Ribas and Mohammad Yahya faced setbacks, with Ribas suffering her third straight defeat and Yahya enduring a crushing loss. These results underscore the shifting dynamics in the UFC rankings and set the stage for upcoming title contention, offering fresh insights for your UFC Abu Dhabi predictions.
UFC Abu Dhabi Delivers Thrilling Outcomes
The highly anticipated UFC Abu Dhabi event unfolded on July 26, 2025, within the electric atmosphere of Etihad Arena. Fans filled the venue with excitement as they witnessed a series of thrilling matchups, culminating in an unforgettable main event where Reinier de Ridder faced off against Robert Whittaker. Their battle not only showcased the skills of both fighters but also the importance of resilience and strategy in the Octagon. De Ridder’s ability to adapt and execute his game plan effectively was pivotal in his split-decision victory, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
In the co-main event, the bantamweight clash saw Petr Yan take on Marcus McGhee in what was a highly scrutinised matchup. Critics questioned the legitimacy of the pairing, given the disparity in their rankings. However, Yan demonstrated his elite striking and tactical approach, solidifying his standing as one of the top fighters in the division. The results of both fights not only reshaped the fighters’ careers but also added another layer of intrigue to the UFC landscape, impacting future UFC Abu Dhabi predictions.
Reinier de Ridder: A New Force in the Middleweight Division
Reinier de Ridder’s performance at UFC Abu Dhabi emphatically highlighted his emergence as a serious contender. After previously dismantling rising prospect Bo Nickal, he displayed a different level of perseverance against former champion Robert Whittaker. Initially, de Ridder faced considerable resistance, as Whittaker employed his vast experience and elusive fighting style effectively. Yet, as the rounds progressed, de Ridder’s strategic adjustments paid dividends, allowing him to clinch the rounds needed to secure a hard-fought split decision victory.
With this win, de Ridder’s record in the UFC now stands at an impressive 4-0, adding to his illustrious history as a two-division champion in ONE Championship. Post-fight, de Ridder expressed gratitude to his team and fans, stating, “Every fight is a learning experience. I’m just grateful to perform and to continue improving.” His consistent performances and growing record strongly suggest that a top-five ranking is imminent, and with one more victory, a title shot could very well be on the horizon, shaping future UFC Abu Dhabi predictions for the division.
Petr Yan’s Strategic Masterclass
Petr Yan’s fight against Marcus McGhee was a clear display of tactical excellence in the Octagon. Despite the criticism surrounding the matchmaking, Yan entered the bout with a determined mindset, showcasing a blend of precise striking and effective grappling that kept McGhee at bay throughout the fight. The unanimous decision victory not only marked a crucial point in Yan’s bid to reclaim the bantamweight title but also underscored his resilience as he navigates a highly competitive division.
After the fight, Yan remarked on the importance of focusing on his skills rather than external opinions. “I fight for myself and my team. Rankings don’t matter in the Octagon; it’s all about executing the game plan,” he stated. The victory helped Yan to extend his winning streak to three in a row, providing a compelling case for a high-stakes matchup in the near future, further influencing UFC Abu Dhabi predictions for the bantamweight division.
Setbacks for Amanda Ribas and Mohammad Yahya
The UFC Abu Dhabi event wasn’t devoid of setbacks, as Amanda Ribas and Mohammad Yahya faced unfortunate defeats that have raised questions about their future in the UFC. Ribas was overtaken by a resurgent Tabatha Ricci, who halted her with a technical knockout in the second round. This marked Ribas’s third consecutive defeat, and her overall record has now dipped to 1-4 in her last five fights, a far cry from her previous success when she began her UFC journey with a notable winning streak.
Similarly, Yahya’s fight against Steven Nguyen ended in dramatic fashion, with Nguyen dominating the contest and forcing a doctor’s stoppage due to Yahya’s injured right eye. This defeat signifies Yahya’s third loss in a row, and with such a challenging start in the UFC, he may face significant pressure to reassess his approach moving forward. Calls for cuts or reassignment within the organisation are beginning to grow louder, as both fighters will need to find a way to rebound from these tough losses.
| Fight | Winner | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder | Reinier de Ridder | Decision (split) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Bantamweight: Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee | Petr Yan | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Women’s Flyweight: Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci | Tabatha Ricci | TKO (punches) | 2 | 3:45 |
| Featherweight: Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen | Steven Nguyen | TKO (doctor’s stoppage) | 2 | 5:00 |
| Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira | Magomed Ankalaev | Decision (unanimous) | 5 | 5:00 |
UFC Abu Dhabi Key Takeaways & Future Implications
UFC Abu Dhabi showcased thrilling matchups, notably Reinier de Ridder’s split decision over Robert Whittaker, solidifying his status as a top contender. This outcome dramatically impacts the middleweight division’s title picture, making future UFC Abu Dhabi predictions even more exciting. Meanwhile, Petr Yan’s unanimous victory adds significant weight to his bantamweight title aspirations, proving his elite standing despite matchmaking criticisms.
The event also highlighted the harsh realities of the sport, with Amanda Ribas and Mohammad Yahya facing crucial setbacks. As the UFC landscape shifts, these outcomes will undoubtedly shape future matchups in the Octagon. Will de Ridder secure a title shot next? Can Yan reclaim his belt? And how will Ribas and Yahya rebound from their recent losses? The answers will continue to fuel the excitement of MMA fans.
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC Abu Dhabi Predictions
Who won the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025?
In the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder defeated former champion Robert Whittaker by split decision, showcasing his skills against the former world champion.
What was the outcome of the co-main event fight?
The co-main event featured Petr Yan defeating Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision, solidifying Yan’s position as a top contender in the bantamweight division.
How does Reinier de Ridder’s recent performance affect his UFC career?
Reinier de Ridder’s victory marked his fourth consecutive win in the UFC (4-0), establishing him as a serious contender for a future title shot in the middleweight division.
What significant struggles did Amanda Ribas and Mohammad Yahya face at UFC Abu Dhabi?
Amanda Ribas experienced her third consecutive loss after being stopped by TKO, while Mohammad Yahya was defeated by Steven Nguyen, marking his third straight loss in the UFC.
Will Reinier de Ridder likely get a title shot soon?
While Reinier de Ridder has established himself as a legitimate title threat following his victory, he may need at least one more win before earning a title shot, depending on the UFC’s matchmaking decisions.
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