Whittaker vs. De Ridder: Analysis and Predictions UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. De Ridder Headlines Card in Abu Dhabi

The world of mixed martial arts is gearing up for a stellar event in Abu Dhabi, where the UFC will kick off its 2025 calendar with a card packed with action. The main event, scheduled for Saturday at the Etihad Arena, will pit Robert Whittaker against Reinier de Ridder in a night that promises strong emotions. The broadcast will begin at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+, with the preliminaries starting at noon on ESPN/ESPN+. Robert Whittaker, former UFC middleweight champion and currently ranked number 6 in the division, will seek to recover after his recent submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308. On the other hand, Reinier de Ridder, former two-division champion in One Championship and still unranked in the UFC, arrives undefeated to this encounter, having finished his three opponents in the organization.

Predictions and analyses from MMA experts anticipate a strategic fight. Anthony Smith highlights Whittaker’s ability to overcome young talents, while Din Thomas points to De Ridder’s pressure and style as key factors in forcing Whittaker to make mistakes.

We are not sure where De Ridder fits at the highest level, and Whittaker thrives by beating the young people at the top of the division. He is a better martial artist in this case. De Ridder is a better wrestler, but I’m not sure if he can take Whittaker down and keep him there.

Anthony Smith

De Ridder has a lot of experience he can draw on. This won’t be a moment too big for him: fighting a five-round main event against one of the best middleweights in UFC history. De Ridder’s annoying, forward pressure, as well as his length, will wear Whittaker down and force him to make mistakes. Once Whittaker does, De Ridder is a relentless fighter who doesn’t let you recover.

Din Thomas

Betting Analysis

According to betting analysis, the odds favor Whittaker with -150. Whittaker, despite his recent loss, is expected to achieve victory. It is predicted that Whittaker will neutralize De Ridder’s takedown attempts and keep the fight standing, where he will seek victory by knockout or decision.

Predictions for the Rest of the Box Office

• Men’s Flyweight: Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa. Ochoa is predicted to win (-110).
• Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov. Krylov is predicted to win (-185).
• Light Heavyweight: Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana. Aslan’s victory by KO/TKO is anticipated.

UFC promises a night full of action and excitement in Abu Dhabi, with Whittaker and De Ridder leading a card that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.