Reinier de Ridder Edges Out Robert Whittaker in Split Decision Thriller

By Ali Hammad July 29, 2025 10:38

The UFC middleweight division witnessed an intense and closely contested battle at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, as Reinier de Ridder edged out former champion Robert Whittaker via split decision in a thriller that had fans debating every round. The five-round main event at Etihad Arena culminated in a split judges’ verdict, with de Ridder awarded the win by scores of 48-47, 48-47, and 47-48 two judges favoring the Dutch contender and one seeing it for the Australian veteran.

De Ridder, known as “The Dutch Knight,” continues his rapid rise in the UFC after transitioning from his dominant ONE Championship career, now boasting a 21-2 professional record. Facing Whittaker, a seasoned former UFC middleweight champion with a 26-8 record, de Ridder showcased a mix of grappling control, calculated striking, and relentless pressure. Whittaker, meanwhile, earned praise for his resilience, notably dropping de Ridder in the third round and demonstrating crisp striking throughout the bout.

The fight’s pivotal moments were tightly contested. Whittaker managed to showcase powerful stand-up and takedown defense, stuffing numerous takedown attempts, which some fans argued should have scored him the fifth round. However, de Ridder’s persistent wrestling and control in the octagon’s center, along with strategic positioning and ground-and-pound, evidently impressed two of the judges enough to give him rounds two, four, and five, sealing his narrow victory.

In the post-fight press conference, de Ridder expressed both relief and ambition: “It was a tough fight against a top-level athlete like Rob. He pushed me to my limits, but I stuck to my game plan and kept battling. This win puts me close to a title shot, and I’m ready for whoever the UFC puts in front of me next.” He also mentioned his interest in facing the winner of the looming championship clash between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, or potentially a showdown with Israel Adesanya for a major middleweight title bout.

Whittaker, gracious despite the split decision loss, stated, “I gave it everything out there. Sometimes close fights go against you, but I’m proud of my performance. I felt I won rounds 1, 3, and 5, especially with the takedown defense and striking I showed. I’ll keep improving and come back stronger.”

The bout sparked debate among fans and analysts regarding MMA judging criteria, particularly about how takedown defense and control are valued versus striking damage and aggression. Many on social media voiced frustration, claiming de Ridder’s hugging and cage control did not amount to effective offense, while others highlighted the cumulative toll his grappling inflicted on Whittaker’s endurance.

Statistically, de Ridder landed solid strikes and maintained superior octagon control time, while Whittaker’s significant strikes were more visually impactful, especially in the third round where he nearly finished the fight. De Ridder’s ability to survive moments of adversity and capitalize on control throughout slowed Whittaker’s momentum down the stretch.

This fight cements Reinier de Ridder’s status as a formidable contender in the UFC middleweight division as he moves closer to a title opportunity. Both fighters delivered an exhilarating performance worthy of main event status, illustrating the high stakes and finely balanced competition at UFC’s 185-pound level.

Reinier de Ridder’s split decision victory over Robert Whittaker was a masterclass in endurance, control, and strategy, demonstrating his rapid ascent in one of MMA’s deepest divisions. As de Ridder calls for a title shot next, this thrilling contest will be remembered for its razor-thin margins and the ongoing debate about MMA’s judging nuances.