Latest news with #ReinierdeRidder
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC on ABC 9
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: Odds and what to know ahead of UFC on ABC 9 Robert Whittaker will aim to halt another rising middleweight contender at UFC on ABC 9. Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder preview Whittaker (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) is coming off a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 last October, a setback which resulted in the former middleweight champion needing dental surgery. Prior to that, Whittaker scored back-to-back wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov. Unbeaten in the octagon, De Ridder (20-2 MMA, 3-0 UFC) handed the highly touted Bo Nickal his first career loss when he finished him by second-round TKO at UFC on ESPN 67 earlier this month. The former ONE middleweight and light heavyweight champion has finished 18 of his 20 professional wins. Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder odds According to FanDuel, former UFC champion Whittaker is a moderate -188 favorite to beat former ONE dual-champion De Ridder, who's a +146 underdog. How to watch Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder at UFC on ABC 9 Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi Broadcast/streaming: ESPN, ESPN+ When: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time Out Abu Dhabi
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi: Everything you need to know
Ready for an Octagon showdown like no other? UFC Fight Night is back in Abu Dhabi and it's bringing a heavyweight (well, middleweight) clash to Yas Island. On Saturday, July 26, the spotlight turns to Etihad Arena where former champ Robert Whittaker faces off against rising grappling phenom Reinier de Ridder – and trust us, this is one fight card you don't want to miss. Whittaker (27-8-0), hailing from New South Wales, Australia, is a fan favourite and one of the most technical strikers in the division. He's looking to bounce back with a statement win, but standing in his way is de Ridder (20-2-0), a Dutch submission machine who just handed Bo Nickal his first-ever loss. Yep, the guy means business. But that's not all. The undercard is stacked with thrilling matchups: Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight): Russia vs Uzbekistan in a classic striker vs brawler clash. Ramazan Temirov vs Asu Almabayev (Flyweight): Expect speed, precision and fireworks. Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight): This one's got KO written all over it. Tickets are now on sale at and – and if you want to go full VIP, has you covered with premium seating, backstage access and athlete meet-and-greets. If you want to stay ringside in style, you can also make a weekend of it with the UFC Fight Night staycation package at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island. Book a Deluxe Room or Suite and you'll score a complimentary UFC ticket for each night you stay. Think beach views, gourmet dining, infinity pools, spa sessions and all the adrenaline you can handle. But act fast – this package is only valid until July 25. It's going to be a night of spinning elbows, takedowns and unforgettable moments. Whether you're a seasoned MMA aficionado or just in it for the drama, this is where you'll want to be. From Dhs500. Saturday July 26. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. More in Abu Dhabi… Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up The 2025 concert line-up in Abu Dhabi just keeps getting better and better So many big names coming to the capital
Dubai Eye
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Dubai Eye
Robert Whittaker to face Reinier de Ridder at Abu Dhabi UFC Fight Night
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is set to face rising contender Reinier de Ridder at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi's Yas Island on Saturday, July 26. Whittaker looks to return to the win column with a dominant performance against the Dutchman. Whittaker (27-8-0, fighting out of New South Wales, Australia) is one of the UFC's most respected middleweights, who rose to prominence with standout victories over Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier and Marvin Vettori. His opponent, Reinier de Ridder (20 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws), fighting out of Breda, Netherlands, has quickly emerged as a serious threat in the division. Since joining the UFC in late 2024, the Dutch fighter has showcased elite grappling and finishing abilities. Most notably, he handed Bo Nickal his first professional defeat — a win that signaled his arrival as a true contender. The event marks the UFC's return to the UAE capital, held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Additional bouts on the card include: Nikita Krylov (30-10-0, fighting out of Kislovodsk, Russia) faces Bogdan Guskov (17-3-0 fighting out of Dukent, Uzbekistan), who is looking to continue his win streak, in a light heavyweight match-up. Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0, fighting out of Karshi, Uzbekistan) takes on Asu Almabayev (21-3-0, fighting out of Almaty, Kazakhstan) in what promises to be a thrilling flyweight bout. Ibo Aslan (14-2-0, fighting out of Istanbul, Turkey) will meet American Billy Elekana (7-2-0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada) in a light heavyweight bout that should produce fireworks.
Al Etihad
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Top middleweight contender Robert Whittaker to face off against Reinier de Ridder at Abu Dhabi Fight Night on July 26
13 May 2025 22:05 ABU DHABI (WAM) UFC returns to the UAE capital this summer with a blockbuster event set for July 26 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the world's premier mixed martial arts organisation is bringing a thrilling lineup headlined by a high-stakes middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and fast-rising contender Reinier de Ridder. Australia's Whittaker (27-8-0), the fifth-ranked middleweight challenger and one of the most respected fighters in the division, will look to reaffirm his elite status. Known for signature victories over the likes of Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, and Marvin Vettori among others, Whittaker aims to bounce back into title contention with a statement win in the desert. Standing in his way is the surging Reinier de Ridder (20-2-0), a Dutch phenomenom, who has taken the UFC by storm since debuting in late 2024. De Ridder made headlines after handing previously unbeaten Bo Nickal his first professional loss, showcasing his world-class grappling and finishing prowess. With momentum on his side, de Ridder is eager to continue climbing the ranks by toppling the former champion. The fight card also features several compelling matchups across multiple weight classes: Nikita Krylov (30-10-0, Russia) returns to the octagon to face Bogdan Guskov (17-3-0, Uzbekistan) in a light heavyweight showdown, as Guskov looks to extend his winning streak. In the flyweight division, Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0, Uzbekistan) squares off against Kazakhstan's Asu Almabayev (21-3-0) in a contest that promises speed and high-level technique. Also in the light heavyweight division, Turkish knockout artist Ibo Aslan (14-2-0) takes on Billy Elekana (7-2-0) from Las Vegas in a matchup that has 'Fight of the Night' potential. With a mix of veteran names and rising stars, UFC Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be a can't-miss summer spectacle for fight fans around the globe.
What's On
13-05-2025
- Sport
- What's On
UFC Fight Night 2025 in Abu Dhabi: Fight card revealed
It's time to touch gloves in the capital (again)… UFC and MMA fans, there's big news for you: UFC Fight Night is making an electrifying return to the capital for a second edition this summer, on Saturday, July 26 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. And now, we have details on the fight card which will be headlined by a middleweight bout between No.5-ranked Aussie Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder of the Netherlands. Whittaker enters the octagon in Abu Dhabi with a 27-8-0 record and wins over names such as Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier and Marvin Vettori. Dutchman de Ridder touches gloves on Yas with a 20-2-0 record, and a reputation as a fast-rising star on the UFC's middleweight circuit. Other confirmed fights for July 26 include Russian Nikita Krylov vs. Uzbek Bogdan Guskov in the light heavyweight class, Ramazan Temirov (19-3-0) taking on Almaty-based Asu Almabayev in flyweights, and Turkish Ibo Aslan who will meet Billy Elekana of the US in a light heavyweight bout that is expected to produce some serious fireworks. Images: supplied, What's On archive The story so far While UFC events have become a mainstay on the UAE's sports and entertainment calendar with 20 events being held here since 2010, 2024 saw the first time Abu Dhabi hosted two official UFC events in the same year, with a simmering fight card at UFC Fight Night on August 3 being followed-up by UFC 308 on October 26, 2024. This year is expected to follow suit, with a second, larger event following the July 26 Fight Night, landing in the Etihad Arena presumably in October. Last year's UFC Fight Night saw a mouthwatering main event clash between bantamweight Russian Umar Nurmagomedov and Cory Sandhagen of the US, with the former picking up a victory after a high-quality, five-round contest that had some of the biggest names in the game in attendance including one of the greatest ever to step inside an octagon, Khabib 'The Eagle' Nurmagomedov himself, cage side at the Etihad Arena. We can't wait for this one… UFC Fight Night, July 26, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs345. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
