Latest news with #ReinierdeRidder
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Reinier de Ridder sparks UFC chaos after calling Abu Dhabi scorecard completely wrong in win over Robert Whittaker
Reinier de Ridder sparks UFC chaos after calling Abu Dhabi scorecard completely wrong in win over Robert Whittaker (Image Via X) Reinier de Ridder defeated former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a split decision in the main event at UFC on ABC 9, which was held on July 26, 2025 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Two judges voted de Ridder 48–47, but one judge had Robert Whittaker winning by the same score. When the announcer read those scorecards, Reinier de Ridder looked visibly surprised. He had hoped to finish Robert Whittaker but couldn't, so the final outcome hinged on what the judges saw during those five rounds. What was Reinier de Ridder's response to judges' split decision After the fight, Reinier de Ridder spoke to media at the cage and said he was taken aback by one judge's card. He said, 'I was surprised one judge scored it completely wrong. I thought I had three rounds at least.' He added, 'It is what it is. I hoped to finish him and I didn't, so you never know what the judges make of it. But I'll be sure to finish the next guy again.' Two judges scored rounds 2, 4 and 5 for de Ridder, while one judge awarded rounds 1, 3 and 4 to Whittaker. According to media scorecards via nine of sixteen media outlets had de Ridder winning and seven scored it for Whittaker. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Foods and Daily Habits That May Help Support a Happier Back Read More Even after taking a hard punch and being knocked down in round 3, de Ridder landed more total strikes (192 vs. 70) and held Whittaker down for over nine minutes compared to thirty-six seconds, according to stats shared at the post-fight press conference. Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder split fans and fighters after UFC Abu Dhabi thriller The fight was evenly matched and exciting. Whittaker had a strong early showing. In round 3 he dropped de Ridder and landed heavy ground strikes. But de Ridder kept coming back with knees, takedown pressure, and clinch control. He wore Whittaker down over the final rounds. Following the decision, several fighters and fans weighed in. Some believed the fight was tied 2‑2 going into round 5. Prominent names like Henry Cejudo, Islam Makhachev, and Alan Jouban sensed each combatant had won two rounds. Other UFC fighters, including Belal Muhammad, believed de Ridder deserved the triumph; Saidyokub Kakhramonov preferred Whittaker depending on his score. De Ridder is still unbeaten in his UFC run at 4–0 within the Octagon notwithstanding the dispute. The win puts him close to a top‑five ranking in the middleweight division. He has called for a chance at the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev, which is scheduled for UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. Also Read: Yes, Robert Whittaker knocked down de Ridder in Round 3 but lost on the scorecards. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mick Maynard's Shoes: What's next for Reinier de Ridder after UFC on ABC 9 win?
Reinier de Ridder is in a strong position in the middleweight division after beating a former UFC champion for the first time in Robert Whittaker on Saturday at UFC on ABC 9. De Ridder (20-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) got the split decision nod over Whittaker (26-9 MMA, 17-7 UFC) at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, to continue his whirlwind run since joining the organization in September. The former two-division ONE Championship titleholder has met every challenge matchmakers have put in front of him, and with the 185-pound title on the line between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 319 headliner on Aug. 16 in Chicago, he's among the frontrunners to face the winner. Should de Ridder get a title shot off the back of beating Whittaker in a decision that some felt was unjust? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on his future after UFC on ABC 9.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
De Ridder beats Whittaker in split decision at UFC Abu Dhabi
27 July 2025 16:19 ABU DHAB (WAM)Reinier de Ridder secured a split-decision victory over Robert Whittaker in the UFC Fight Night at the Etihad Arena on Saturday night."I expected to take him down and choke him out," de Ridder said. 'He was amazing. So tough, so durable, heavy hands.' It was De Ridder's fourth straight victory in UFC after recording wins over Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland and Bo Nickal, all without going the distance.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
UFC on ABC 9 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Reinier de Ridder nets just $4,500
ABU DHABI – Fighters from Saturday's UFC on ABC 9 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $191,000. The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy. UFC on ABC 9 takes place Saturday at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The main card airs on ABC following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+. The full UFC on ABC 9 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included: Reinier de Ridder: $4,500 def. Robert Whittaker: $21,000 Petr Yan: $11,000 def. Marcus McGhee: $4,500 Shara Magomedov: $6,000 def. Marc-Andre Barriault: $16,000 Asu Almabayev: $6,000 def. Jose Ochoa: $4,000 Bogdan Guskov: $4,500 def. Nikita Krylov: $16,000 Bryce Mitchell: $11,000 def. Said Nurmagomedov: $11,000 Muslim Salikhov: $11,000 def. Carlos Leal: $4,000 Davey Grant: $11,000 def. Da'Mon Blackshear: $6,000 Tabatha Ricci: $6,000 def. Amanda Ribas: $11,000 Billy Elekana: $4,000 def. Ibo Aslan: $4,500 Steven Nguyen: $4,000 def. Mohammad Yahya: $4,000 Martin Buday: $6,000 def. Marcus Almeida: $4,000 Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program's payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum's multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000. In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials. Full 2025 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts: Year-to-date total: $4,157,000 2024 total: $8,280,500 2023 total: $8,188,000 2022 total: $8,351,500 2021 total: $6,167,500 Program-to-date total: $35,174,000
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
UFC Summer Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Why UFC always chooses Abu Dhabi for its biggest fights
Since 2010, Abu Dhabi has hosted 21 UFC events and renewed its partnership with UFC through 2028, cementing its MMA hub status/ Image: X UFC Summer Roars Back to Abu Dhabi The Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi roared back to life on Saturday, July 26, 2025, as UFC Summer Fight Night kicked off with Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder headlining a blistering fight card. In a thrilling main event, rising Dutch phenom Reinier de Ridder stunned fight fans by edging out former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via split decision, a career-defining win that propelled him to 4-0 in the UFC and firmly into the title conversation, underscoring Abu Dhabi's continued role at the heart of the sport's biggest moments. This event marked UFC's 21st visit to Abu Dhabi since 2010, a number that tells its own story of transformation, both for the sport and for the Emirate hosting it. The stacked card, held at Etihad Arena, featured a tantalizing mix of rising contenders and decorated veterans, promising thrilling action across multiple weight classes with high-octane showdowns across several divisions. Some of the anticipated matchups include: Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov All eyes now turn to the calendar's next centerpiece: UFC 321, set to headline Abu Dhabi Showdown Week on October 25, 2025, promising another blockbuster card in the capital. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo Tickets go on sale July 25 via and and anticipation is already soaring. 15 Years of UFC in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi's UFC journey began in 2010 with UFC 112, the promotion's first-ever outdoor event, featuring iconic matchups like Anderson Silva vs. Demian Maia and Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn. What started as an experimental and audacious venture has since blossomed into one of combat sports' most successful international partnerships. Together with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), UFC has now hosted 21 events in the city, firmly establishing Abu Dhabi as what fans and insiders proudly call 'the fight capital of the East. ' Among those 21 events are some of the most iconic fights in modern UFC history: 1. UFC 112 (April 2010) Anderson Silva vs. Demian Maia – Middleweight title fight Frankie Edgar vs. B.J. Penn – Edgar upsets Penn to win the Lightweight title – First-ever UFC outdoor event; Abu Dhabi's UFC debut 2. UFC 242 (September 2019) Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier – Lightweight title unification Khabib dominates and defends his title in a globally watched event 3. UFC 254 (October 2020) Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje – Lightweight title Khabib wins by submission and emotionally retires inside the Octagon 4. UFC 257 (January 2021) Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier II – Lightweight bout Poirier avenges his 2014 loss with a stunning 2nd-round knockout 5. UFC 267 (October 2021) Glover Teixeira vs. Jan Błachowicz – Light heavyweight title Teixeira becomes one of the oldest champions in UFC history at age 42 6. UFC 280 (October 2022) Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira – Lightweight title fight Makhachev dominates to claim the vacant title, ushering in a new era 7. UFC 294 (October 2023) Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski II – Lightweight title Makhachev finishes the featherweight champ with a first-round head kick KO 8. UFC 308 (October 2024) Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – Featherweight title Topuria defends the belt with a knockout win over fan-favorite Holloway The city also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it hosted Fight Island, a secured international fight bubble that kept the sport alive while the rest of the world shut down. It set a precedent for crisis-era sports logistics and reinforced Abu Dhabi's reputation for world-class event management. This trajectory was formalised in 2019 when UFC and DCT Abu Dhabi signed a long-term agreement that was extended in October 2023 through 2028. Under the renewed deal, Abu Dhabi will continue to host a major UFC event annually, including at least one Fight Night per year in the broader MENA region. As HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked: 'Over a 15-year relationship, UFC has extended its global reach and Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world capital for combat sports. Renewing our partnership with UFC allows us to continue to stage major events that thrill visitors and residents.' The UFC CEO's Take: 'I Love It Here.' UFC CEO Dana White, never one to withhold enthusiasm, is effusive in his praise for Abu Dhabi's role in the organisation's global expansion: 'Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it's incredible. I have been so excited to be able to put on some of the biggest fights in the history of UFC in Abu Dhabi and it's only going to get even bigger from here with additional Fight Nights coming to the region next year. I love it here.' White has good reason to love it. Over the course of their partnership: Abu Dhabi has hosted 9 title fights Broadcasted to 900 million homes across 170+ countries Brought in global names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Max Holloway Delivered consistently sold-out events and record-breaking digital engagement The infrastructure, safety, and seamless hospitality of Abu Dhabi has made it an ideal venue not only for events, but for long-term strategic growth. Power Slap : A New Frontier in Combat Sports, And It's Back As UFC cements its place in Abu Dhabi, so too does its controversial younger sibling: Power Slap. Founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, and Craig Piligian in partnership with UFC, the regulated slap-fighting league debuted internationally in Abu Dhabi in 2024 with Power Slap 9: Dumpling vs Da Crazy Hawaiian, a wild, sold-out showdown that ended in a dramatic draw. That single event generated staggering metrics: 700 million+ views across social platforms Over 1 billion combined reach via influencer marketing A sold-out crowd at Space 42 Arena Following its breakthrough success, Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2025, just a day before UFC 321, again at Space 42 Arena. It will stream live and free on YouTube and Rumble, continuing its mission to democratize viewership and scale awareness. Dana White, in a statement, expressed his unrelenting belief in the format and the host city: 'Power Slap has had 13 straight sold-out events, and is now heading back to Abu Dhabi, one of the premier fight capitals in the world. In just two years, Power Slap has exploded with nearly 30 million followers and close to 20 billion video views across our platforms. The Middle East is becoming a hotbed for Power Slap, and I'm excited to bring it back.' A Sports Capital by Design Abu Dhabi's rise as a global sports destination hasn't been accidental, it's been deliberate, strategic, and deeply resourced. Over the years, the city has played host to marquee international events such as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA preseason games, world-class boxing bouts, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. In 2025 alone, it will stage two of the UFC's cornerstone events and Power Slap's only international showcase. Backed by top-tier infrastructure, seamless logistics, and a government that treats sport as both an economic engine and a tool of soft power, Abu Dhabi continues to redraw the map of global athletics. As UFC Summer surges forward in the capital and the countdown begins for UFC 321 and Power Slap, Abu Dhabi has proven that it is no longer an emerging destination, but the destination.
