Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: Weigh-In Results and Predictions

By Ali Hammad July 28, 2025 12:03

The UFC Fight Night held on July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi delivered a thrilling middleweight main event featuring former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker against the formidable Dutch fighter Reinier de Ridder. The bout, highly anticipated by MMA fans worldwide, concluded with de Ridder edging out Whittaker via a razor-thin split decision (scorecards 47–48, 48–47, 48–47) after five intense rounds, marking a significant milestone in both fighters’ careers .

At weigh-ins leading up to the event, both fighters hit the middleweight limit comfortably, setting the stage for a full-throttle fight. Whittaker entered with an experienced record of 27 wins and 8 losses, seeking to rebound after a disappointing submission defeat at UFC 308 in October 2024. Reinier de Ridder, with a professional record of 21-2, was on a four-fight UFC winning streak and looking to cement his status as a top middleweight contender with a third win in 2025 alone.

The fight itself was a back-and-forth battle reflecting the contrasting yet complementary styles of the two combatants. Whittaker, known for his striking prowess and aggressive pace, appeared to have the upper hand in several exchanges, notably dropping de Ridder in the third round. However, de Ridder showcased resilience and exceptional grappling defense successfully stuffing multiple takedown attempts and gymnastic control that allowed him to survive rough spots and keep the fight competitive.

Judging the fight proved controversial. Two judges sided with de Ridder, awarding him rounds 2, 4, and 5, while one judge gave Whittaker the nod for rounds 1, 3, and 4. Many fans and analysts debated the scoring, especially regarding the fifth round where Whittaker appeared to thwart every takedown attempt and landed effective strikes. Critics argued the scoring criteria need to better reflect defensive skills such as takedown defense, which Whittaker excelled at throughout the bout.

Post-fight, de Ridder expressed his ambition to chase the UFC middleweight title, signaling interest in the upcoming championship bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev scheduled for UFC 319. He also mentioned former champion Israel Adesanya as a potential opponent for his first title defense, highlighting his goal to quickly become a dominant force in the division.

Whittaker, while disappointed, acknowledged the competitive nature of the fight and remained a respected figure in the middleweight ranks. His striking and endurance over five rounds showed he still has the toughness to contend at the highest levels despite the narrow loss.

In terms of fight metrics, de Ridder leveraged his grappling superiority, successfully defending multiple takedowns (a key scoring factor debated among viewers), while Whittaker’s significant strikes and knockdowns pushed the fight's drama. The split decision underscores the evenly matched skill levels and sets the stage for high-stakes rematches or title implications in the near future.

To summarize, the weigh-in and fight delivered on the hype with two top-tier middleweights pushing each other to five rounds of elite competition. Reinier de Ridder’s split decision victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi marks him as a rising contender poised to challenge for UFC gold, while Whittaker remains a dangerous and battle-tested competitor in the division.