UFC Abu Dhabi set for fireworks with Whittaker vs De Ridder blockbuster fight

UFC CEO Dana White has unveiled a stacked lineup for UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 26, set to take place at the iconic Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The card features two five-round main attractions and six confirmed bouts, making it one of the year’s most anticipated events.

Headlining the night is a blockbuster middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker (26-8) and Dutch contender Reinier de Ridder (20-2), who remains undefeated in the UFC.



Rising Dutch star de Ridder, 34, is quickly making waves in the UFC with dominant finishes over Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and Bo Nickal - none of which went the distance - since signing last July.

Now 20-2 in his career, with both losses coming to Anatoly Malykhin, de Ridder is set for his biggest test yet. "These guys are killers - and they always deliver," said White.

A win against Whittaker could propel him toward a title shot against current middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis. "It’s been a crazy year," de Ridder said. "I’ve trained like mad and I’m ready to take him on."


In the co-main event, undefeated featherweight contender Movsar Evloev faces off against UFC newcomer Aaron Pico in a potential 145-pound title eliminator.

Evloev, riding an eight-fight win streak, most recently defeated former champ Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310. Pico, a former Bellator star with a 13-4 record, brings raw talent and knockout power to his Octagon debut.

Also on the card is the return of former bantamweight champion Petr Yan, who takes on rising star Marcus McGhee. Yan is in strong form after back-to-back victories over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo in 2024.

This marks the 21st UFC event held in Abu Dhabi since 2010, solidifying the city’s position as a global hub for MMA. With high stakes, top contenders, and fierce rivalries, UFC Fight Night: Abu Dhabi promises fireworks.

UFC ABU DHABI MAIN MATCH CARD

• Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
• Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
• Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
• Shara Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight)
• Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)

FIVE-ROUND CO-MAIN EVENT

• Movosar Evloeve vs Aaron Pico (Featherweight)