Reinier De Ridder applies pressure, suffers knockdown and defeats Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi

In the main fight UFC Abu Dhabi, Ridder's Reinier proved he deserves a shot at the highest level of the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). The Dutchman relied on grappling, dominated the spaces and won by split decision after a true war against the former champion Robert whittaker.

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With the victory, Reinier reached 21 career victories, his fourth within the organization. Whittaker, meanwhile, suffered his ninth loss in his MMA career.

De Ridder and Whittaker lock horns in UFC Abu Dhabi main event

Whittaker began by exploring his movement and landing strike sequences. As he closed in, however, the Dutchman attempted a double-leg takedown, but the Australian defended well.

As the round progressed, Whittaker continued to use his speed to strike and get out, while De Ridder waited for the right moment to land a takedown.

At halftime, the corner of Robert whittaker He urged patience to build the knockout, and the Australian followed suit. He continued to rely on movement to touch and escape, undermining his opponent, who was unable to land solid strikes or complete takedowns. However, at an unexpected moment, the Dutchman took advantage of his greater height and landed a knee on the former champion, who fell.

Ridder's Reinier defeated Robert Whitaker in the UFC Abu Dhabi. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC Europe

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In the third round, Reinier came back fired up to try to seal the fight, again relying on his knees, which hurt Whittaker. However, the Australian responded with a precise counter that took De Ridder to the ground, narrowly missing the knockout. In the final stretch, the Dutchman secured another takedown, passed guard, and dominated until the end of the round.

In the fourth round, Whittaker was already showing signs of fatigue, while Reinier continued to accelerate and move forward, looking to define the fight, but without being able to surround the former champion effectively.

In the final round, Whittaker once again showed he still had the energy to burn. The Australian heated up the fight with his hit-and-run game, while Reinier insisted on grappling. Despite their efforts, neither fighter was able to impose their game clearly.

At the end of the five rounds, the judges declared victory for Reinier DeRidder by split decision.

UFC Abu Dhabi Results

MAIN CARD (16pm Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ridder's Reinier derrotou Robert whittaker by split decision of the judges (28-27, 28-27, 28-27)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Petr yan derrotou Marcus McGhee by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Shara Magomedov derrotou Marc-Andre Barriault in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Asu Almabayev derrotou Jose Ochoa in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Bogdan Guskov derrotou Nikita Krylov by knockout (punches) at 4min18s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD (13pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce mitchell derrotou Said Nurmagomedov in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): muslim salikhov derrotou Carlos Leal by knockout (punch) at 42 seconds of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): davey grant defeated Da'Mon Blackshear via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Tabatha Ricci derrotou Amanda ribas by technical knockout (elbow and punches) at 2:59 of R2

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Billy Elekana derrotou Ibo Aslan in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Steven Nguyen defeated Mohammad Yahya by technical knockout (doctor stoppage) 5 min into R2

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Martin Buday derrotou Marcus Buchecha in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)