The UFC continues its weekly schedule by heading international, this time for a Fight Night installment from Abu Dhabi featuring a pair of championship-seeking middleweights in a five-round non-title fight between former champion Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder in the night’s main event.<\/p>\n
Whittaker (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) seeks his first win since last June, as his last fight saw him lose to UFC 319 middleweight title challenger, Khamzat Chimaev, last fall. Whittaker is 3-3 over his last 6 fights, which includes losses to current UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis and former champion Israel Adesanya.<\/p>\n
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Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Robert Whittaker fights against Paulo Costa during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images \/ Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Whittaker told MMAJunkie Wednesday<\/a> that despite de Ridder’s (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) impressive track record, beating him is easier said than done.<\/p>\n “He hasn’t fought anyone like me,” Whittaker said. “Landing my mitts and my getting my hands on him, that’s the plan. I’m fast. My striking I think is better than his. So I’ve got to find the holes, the openings, and close them up.”<\/p>\n De Ridder took offense to Whittaker’s comments, suggesting the fight won’t need to go the distance for him to win.<\/p>\n “Nah,” de Ridder said, per MMAJunkie.<\/a> “I think that’s just kind of what I do. “See if I can get him tired, then the both of us might be tired in the last couple rounds.”<\/p>\n READ MORE: UFC Abu Dhabi fight picks & predictions for Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder<\/a><\/p>\n Reinier de Ridder (red gloves) blows the crowd a kiss after defeating Bo Nickal (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Wells Fargo Arena on May 3, 2025, in Des Moines. \/ Lily Smith\/The Register \/ USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images<\/p>\n De Ridder doesn’t trust the oddsmakers either. As of Friday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a> has Whittaker as a slight favorite.<\/p>\n Check out the full bout order and odds below, including the main event. They are subject to change.<\/p>\n Main Card (Start time 3 p.m. ET, ESPN+, ABC)Preliminary Card (Start time Noon ET, ESPN+, ESPN)<\/p>\n Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.<\/p>\n If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Undefeated MMA champion dominates UFC veteran, gets belt from Islam Makhachev<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Referee sprints to save unconscious MMA fighter after savage KO<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Ilia Topuria hopes UFC gives him Conor McGregor treatment after Canelo-Crawford fight<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Israel Adesanya gives bold pick for Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n