This Saturday, July 26, the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi with a much-anticipated middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and rising contender Reinier de Ridder at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The event, headlined by this high-stakes bout, will showcase whether Whittaker can reaffirm his dominance or if de Ridder will continue his impressive winning streak in the Reinier de Ridder UFC Abu Dhabi event.
Key Fights and Results Leading into the Main Event
Earlier matches set an intense tone for the evening. Billy Elekana secured a unanimous decision victory over İbo Aslan in a closely contested light heavyweight fight, with judges scoring 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. Another notable outcome was Steven Nguyen’s impressive TKO win against Mohammad Yahya, who appeared to suffer a fractured orbital after multiple knockdowns within the first two rounds. Referee Jason Herzog stopped the bout after the second round due to Yahya’s condition.
Martin Buday delivered an upset in the heavyweight division by defeating Marcus Buchecha via unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28. These results contribute to the night’s growing excitement as viewers await the headline bouts.
Main and Preliminary Card Details for UFC Abu Dhabi
The card features a robust lineup both in the preliminaries and main event schedule. The main card will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN+, and Disney+, starting at 3:00 p.m. ET. The full main card includes:
- Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight
- Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight
- Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault – Middleweight
- Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa – Flyweight
- Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light Heavyweight
Preliminary fights, airing on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+ starting at noon ET, showcase emerging talent and crucial matchups, including:
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight
- Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal Miranda – Welterweight
- Davey Grant vs. Da’Mon Blackshear – Bantamweight
- Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci – Strawweight
- İbo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
Anticipation Builds Around Co-Headliner and Headliner Fights
Alongside the headlining matchup, co-headliners Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee are primed to deliver an intense bantamweight contest, adding to the night’s excitement. Both Whittaker and de Ridder have shown strong performances leading into this fight, intensifying fan interest. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, aims to reestablish his position, while de Ridder’s recent victories spotlight him as a formidable newcomer poised to challenge the division’s established hierarchy.
Significance of the Event and What’s Next
This UFC Abu Dhabi event serves as a critical moment in the middleweight division, potentially signaling a shift in power. Reinier de Ridder’s continued success could place him firmly among the top contenders, while Robert Whittaker’s experience and championship pedigree make him a compelling opponent. As the event unfolds at the Etihad Arena, fight fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see who emerges as the dominant force in this pivotal Reinier de Ridder UFC Abu Dhabi bout.