Reinier de Ridder managed to squeak past former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker Saturday in Abu Dhabi by split decision to remain unbeaten in the promotion while staying in the thick of the title picture.

Headlining UFC Abu Dhabi, De Ridder defeated Robert Whittaker via split decision for the biggest scalp of the Dutchman’s short Octagon career thus far. And the former two-division ONE Championship titleholder made it clear what he wants next: a shot at the winner of Dricus du Plessis’ defense against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.

On Episode 3,585, the guys welcome in UFC middleweight Reinier de Ridder, who takes on former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC on ABC 9. The fellas also recap UFC 318, which went down in New Orleans, featuring Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway for the BMF title. Tune in!

UFC middleweight Reinier de Ridder has big plans to grapple his way to victory over unbeaten wrestling champion Bo Nickal at Saturday's UFC Fight Night in Des Moines, Iowa.

Anatoly Malykhin says Reinier de Ridder is a top three UFC middleweight with Khamzat Chimaev presenting the only risk. Anatoly Malykhin isn’t surprised to see his former opponent, Reinier de ...

De Ridder is the No. 13 fighter in the official UFC rankings. He gets the opportunity surge in those rankings when he faces Whittaker in July. De Ridder has fought twice in 2025.