In an eagerly anticipated middleweight clash at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, former champion Robert Whittaker is favoured at -160 to defeat Dutch fighter Reinier de Ridder, who sits at +124 on FanDuel. Ahead of the bout, a survey of professional fighters revealed a strong consensus that Whittaker’s striking and range control will secure him victory, with many predicting he could finish de Ridder. As the excitement builds, fans are keen to see if Whittaker can maintain his edge in this crucial matchup.
Fight Preview: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi
The upcoming bout between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi promises to be an exciting clash of styles in the middleweight division. Whittaker, the former champion, steps back into the octagon seeking to reaffirm his dominance after a challenging period in a highly competitive weight class. On the other hand, de Ridder, who has gained a reputation for his grappling prowess, aims to upset the former champion and solidify his standings among the elite fighters.
Both fighters bring their unique strengths to this matchup: Whittaker’s exceptional striking and fight IQ contrast with de Ridder’s grappling and submission skills. This fight is crucial for Whittaker, as a win could position him for another title shot. At the same time, de Ridder sees this as a pivotal opportunity to break into the top echelon of the division.
Pro Fighters’ Opinions on the Whittaker vs. de Ridder Matchup
As fight night approaches, several professional fighters have shared their predictions for the Whittaker vs. de Ridder showdown, and the overwhelming consensus tilts in favour of Whittaker. UFC bantamweight Marcus McGhee emphasised that Whittaker’s ability to control the fight at distance using his striking will be key. He remarked that Whittaker’s strategy will not only frustrate de Ridder but also provide him with multiple avenues to victory.
Similarly, UFC featherweight Steve Garcia highlighted Whittaker’s superior striking skills, predicting a decision win for the former champion. Garcia stated, “I just believe he’ll be a much better striker,” reflecting a common sentiment among analysts that Whittaker’s striking could be the decisive factor in the bout.
De Ridder’s Hopes for the Fight: Can Grappling Lead to an Upset?
While many fighters are favouring Whittaker, de Ridder can’t be underestimated. UFC welterweight Max Griffin provided an alternative perspective, suggesting that de Ridder’s grappling might lead to a surprise submission victory. Griffin noted, “de Ridder has been beating tough opponents… he can win this fight by utilising his grappling to submit Whittaker like Khamzat did.” This remark underscores the potential for an upset based on de Ridder’s effective grappling techniques in past fights.
Fighter opinions aside, the fight plays out on the canvas, where game plans may drastically shift under pressure. Should de Ridder manage to take the fight to the ground, it could spell trouble for Whittaker, challenging his ability to adapt to a fast-paced grappling-heavy strategy.
Final Thoughts and Predictions for Whittaker vs. de Ridder
As the fight draws near, excitement builds around this matchup, with Whittaker as the favourite but not without challengers. UFC middleweight Eryk Anders added that Whittaker’s defensive skill, paired with quick footwork, will likely keep him out of de Ridder’s grappling range. Anders declared, “I think RDR will have trouble taking him down,” reinforcing the belief that Whittaker’s striking style may be the determining factor in this fight.
In summary, the fight between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the middleweight division, with insights from pro fighters contributing to the build-up. While Whittaker holds the odds in his favour, the unpredictability of MMA means that anything can happen on fight night.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Fight Date | July 23, 2025 |
| Event Location | UFC Abu Dhabi |
| Fighters | Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder |
| Betting Odds | Whittaker: -160; de Ridder: +124 (on FanDuel) |
| Fighter Picks | The majority favours Whittaker to win |
| Key Predictions | Whittaker to keep the fight standing and win via striking or decision |
| Unique Prediction | Max Griffin believes de Ridder can win by submission |
| Pro Fighters’ Opinions | Fighters supporting Whittaker: McGhee, Garcia, Lane, Anders, Klose; only Griffin supports de Ridder. |
As Robert Whittaker prepares to face Reinier de Ridder in the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi, professional fighters overwhelmingly favour Whittaker to win, highlighting his striking abilities and experience. This matchup not only showcases top-tier talent but also poses intriguing questions about de Ridder’s grappling skills against Whittaker’s striking prowess. Who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes contest?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the fighters competing in the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi?
The main event at UFC Abu Dhabi features former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker facing off against Dutch fighter Reinier de Ridder.
What is the betting line for the Whittaker vs. de Ridder fight?
Heading into the fight, Robert Whittaker is a -160 favourite, while Reinier de Ridder is a +124 underdog according to FanDuel.
What do professional fighters think about the outcome of Whittaker vs. de Ridder?
Most professional fighters predict that Robert Whittaker will secure a victory, primarily by keeping the fight standing and using his striking skills.
Which fighters have picked Robert Whittaker to win?
Fighters including Marcus McGhee, Steve Garcia, Austen Lane, Eryk Anders, and Drakkar Klose have all expressed their belief that Whittaker will win the fight.
Is there a fighter who is picking Reinier de Ridder to win?
Yes, Max Griffin is the only fighter mentioned who has predicted a victory for Reinier de Ridder, suggesting he could utilise grappling to secure a submission.
Subscribe
