Reinier de Ridder and Robert Whittaker had the MMA world on the sting of their seats in Saturday’s UFC Abu Dhabi major occasion.
Ultimately, it was de Ridder who emerged victorious with a pair of 48-47 scores to earn a split decision win after 5 tightly contested rounds that went all the way down to the wire. The headlining bout noticed each fighters exhibit their abilities, with Whittaker hurting de Ridder badly with an overhand proper in Spherical 3, and de Ridder draining Whittaker’s fuel tank with ripping knees to the physique and smothering grappling.
Neither fighter discovered a lot of a bonus within the championship rounds, with de Ridder centered on urgent Whittaker to the fence in pursuit of takedowns and Whittaker preserving his vitality within the hopes of discovering a fight-changing flurry. When the ultimate bell rang, the scorecards had been anyone’s guess.
Fighters on social media praised each fighters and gave their very own tackle the scores.
Try reactions to the UFC Abu Dhabi major occasion beneath.
Congrats to RDR, that was an ideal battle. Title shot subsequent.
I’ve an extended lengthy method to go however I’ll hold bettering, getting higher and perhaps we rematch sometime.
— Bo Nickal (@NoBickal) July 26, 2025
Good win…however name the title shot subsequent is a minimum of delusional
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) July 26, 2025
Whittaker slowed down and paid the worth for it
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) July 26, 2025
I’ve obtained it 48-47 to Whittaker.
Who’ve you bought?
— Brett Johns (@36Johns) July 26, 2025
Good battle I feel rdr received that
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) July 26, 2025
With all due respect, I’d knock out de Ridder 3 x wich spherical. All that stated congrats in your win at this time , regardless of unhealthy battle.
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 26, 2025
I assumed DRICUS was most unearthly battle fashion in UFC however de RIDDER is doing every thing to compete with him face to face .
— Paulo Costa (@BorrachinhaMMA) July 26, 2025
