The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena today, July 26, 2025, with a highly anticipated event headlined by former Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and the rising star Reinier de Ridder. Known as UFC Abu Dhabi, this event will stream live on ESPN+, showcasing a pivotal Middleweight battle that could reshape the division’s landscape. The co-main event features a Bantamweight match between former champion Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee, adding further stakes to the night’s lineup.
Detailed Overview of Tonight’s Event and Broadcast Information
Tonight’s schedule begins promptly at 12 p.m. ET with preliminary fights airing on ESPN and ESPN+. The main card will follow at 3 p.m. ET, simulcast on ABC and ESPN+. The venue, Etihad Arena on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, will host fans and fighters alike in this crucial UFC event. Viewers can catch all the action live via ESPN+, with betting lines available through DraftKings for those interested in wagering on the outcomes. Comprehensive real-time coverage and results will be accessible for fight fans eager to track the event as it unfolds.
Robert Whittaker’s Comeback Journey After UFC 308
Former Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is returning to competition after a brutal loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024. Despite a career marked by ups and downs, with a 3-3 record in his last six bouts, the 34-year-old fighter remains a formidable presence in the division. Although known for his striking, Whittaker only has one knockout win in eight years, achieved in Abu Dhabi against Ikram Aliskerov. His experience and diverse skill set give him numerous ways to dismantle opponents without relying solely on stoppages. Tonight’s bout against Reinier de Ridder will test if Whittaker can reignite his winning ways against a surging contender.
Reinier de Ridder’s Rising Momentum and Potential Title Implications
Reinier de Ridder has been climbing rapidly through the Middleweight ranks, entering tonight’s fight with an undefeated 3-0 Octagon record and four consecutive wins overall. Most recently, de Ridder halted Bo Nickal’s momentum, ending the hype around the prospect. This former ONE Championship dual titleholder has showcased dominant grappling and submission skills, earning him the nickname “The Dutch Knight.” A victory over Whittaker would likely propel de Ridder into the UFC’s Top 10, edging him closer to a first UFC title shot and significantly boosting his reputation within the sport.
Changes to the Fight Card and Replacement Fighters
The originally scheduled Flyweight fight between Ramazan Temirov and Asu Almabayev experienced a last-minute change when Temirov failed a pre-fight drug test. Jose Ochoa stepped in to face Almabayev on short notice, bringing momentum from a recent knockout victory over Cody Durden. Almabayev enters the bout after a four-fight winning streak ended earlier this year against Manel Kape. Additionally, the co-main event Bantamweight bout featuring Aaron Pico versus <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/tag/movsar-evloev/”>Movsar Evloev was postponed due to Evloev’s injury and is expected to be rescheduled for UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16, 2025.
Promising Debuts and Notable New Faces on the Card
Marcus Buchecha will make his UFC debut against veteran Martin Buday. Buchecha’s MMA career, primarily with ONE Championship, includes a 5-1 record highlighted by first-round stoppages and elite grappling credentials, including two ADCC gold medals and multiple BJJ world titles. Buday, a powerful and gritty competitor holding a 6-1 record, hopes to derail Buchecha’s introduction to the UFC. The matchup represents a classic clash between a ground-based phenom and an experienced striker, with Buchecha’s ground dominance expected to be a major factor if the fight hits the mat.
Preliminary Card Highlights and Fighters Seeking Redemption
Blade Mitchell enters the prelims after a strong UFC start followed by recent setbacks, recording a 2-3 mark in five fights, including losses against elite competition such as Ilia Topuria and Josh Emmett. His opponent, Said Nurmagomedov, is attempting to avoid consecutive defeats after being outpointed by Vinicius Oliveira. Another notable preliminary bout features Muslim Salikhov, dubbed the “King of Kung Fu,” seeking his third straight win at 42 years old against Carlos Leal. Leal is riding a solid 3-1 streak with his lone loss occurring during his recent Octagon debut against Rinat Fakhretdinov.
Da’Mon Blackshear, enjoying a three-fight winning streak highlighted by two submission finishes, faces long-time veteran Davey Grant. Blackshear aims to extend his current run to four wins, while Grant prepares for his first fight of 2025. In women’s action, Amanda Ribas looks to bounce back after consecutive losses to Mackenzie Dern and Rose Namajunas when she meets Tabatha Ricci, who herself is trying to rebound after a defeat against Xiaonan Yan.
On the heavier side of the card, Billy Elekana attempts to recover from a debut loss earlier in the year by taking on Ibo Aslan, who recently suffered a submission loss to Ion Cutelaba but entered UFC with a six-fight winning streak, including two UFC wins. Both fighters will be eager to claim a momentum-building victory as they navigate early UFC careers.
Fighters Under Pressure to Secure Vital Wins
Mohammad Yahya faces a must-win scenario after starting his UFC tenure with two straight defeats. A third loss could jeopardize his standing within the promotion, making tonight’s fight against Steven Nguyen crucial. Nguyen also comes off a loss from his UFC debut earlier this year, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle between two fighters desperate to prove their value.
Co-Main Event Bantamweight Bout with Title Contention Implications
In the co-main event, former Bantamweight champion Petr Yan seeks to reclaim his position in the highly competitive 135-pound division when he faces Marcus McGhee, who is on an impressive six-fight winning streak and undefeated in UFC competition. Yan, ranked third in the division, has expressed frustration about being overlooked for a rematch against reigning champion Merab Dvalishvili, slated to defend the title against Cory Sandhagen later this year. McGhee, currently ranked 12th and eager to crack the Top 10, views a victory over Yan as a potential launchpad into the upper echelon, possibly entering the Top 5 of the rankings.
Additional Noteworthy Matchups on the Main Card
Shara Magomedov, who experienced his first career loss to Michael Page earlier this year after an initial four-win run, faces Marc-Andre Barriault. Barriault recently ended a three-fight losing streak with a knockout victory over Bruno Silva at UFC 315. Nikita Krylov, coming off three straight wins after falling to Dominick Reyes, will attempt to continue his resurgence against Bogdan Guskov, who also regained his footing with three consecutive victories despite an initial UFC loss to Volkan Oezdemir.
Complete UFC Abu Dhabi Fight Card
The full fight card tonight includes:
- Middleweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder
- Bantamweight: Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee
- Welterweight: Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
- Flyweight: Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa (replacement for Ramazan Temirov)
- Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov
- Bantamweight: Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov
- Welterweight: Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal
- Bantamweight: Davey Grant vs. Da’Mon Blackshear
- Women’s Flyweight: Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci
- Light Heavyweight: Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana
- Heavyweight: Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha
- Flyweight: Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen
*Please note the fight lineup, bout order, and number of fights are subject to change as the event approaches.*
Experience the Action Live on ESPN+
Fans can tune into ESPN+ to catch every thrilling moment of UFC Abu Dhabi. The main event features five intense rounds between Whittaker and de Ridder, promising a mix of striking and grappling skill from two warriors in different stages of their careers. The co-main event Bantamweight fight between Yan and McGhee also carries huge implications for the division’s title chase. Comprehensive fight coverage starts with the prelims at 12 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 3 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+. This is an event UFC enthusiasts cannot afford to miss.
“185 lbs.: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder”
“145 lbs.: Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico — Likely rebooked for UFC 319 (details here)”
“135 lbs.: Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee”
“185 lbs.: Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault”
“125 lbs.: Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa (not Ramazan Temirov)”
“205 lbs.: Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov”
“135 lbs.: Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov”
“170 lbs.: Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal”
“135 lbs.: Davey Grant vs. Da’Mon Blackshear”
“115 lbs.: Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci”
“205 lbs.: Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana”
“145 lbs.: Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen”
“265 lbs.: Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha”