UFC, Robert Whittaker and Ridder
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Reinier de Ridder secured the biggest win of his Octagon career at UFC Abu Dhabi, narrowly securing a hard-fought split decision over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates.
It was a grueling and competitive fight, but de Ridder felt comfortable in winning three out of the five rounds they competed in. He was confident all three judges would agree with him, however, only two judges did,
De Ridder earned a crack at Whittaker after he knocked out highly-touted wrestler Bo Nickal with a knee to the body at UFC Des Moines in May. This was Nickal’s first UFC loss, with many fans claiming he had been ‘fraud checked’.
UFC Fight Night will take place in Abu Dhabi, featuring Robert Whittaker and Reinier De Ridder in a headline middleweight clash.
Check out how much money did Reinier De Ridder earn outclassing former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi.
Former UFC Champion Robert Whittaker meets former ONE two-division champion Reinier de Ridder in the headliner of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. This marks de Ridder’s first main event in the UFC. The Netherlands’ De Ridder (20-2) signed to the premier promotion last year, going 3-0 against Bo Nickal, Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert.
UFC star Robert Whittaker has said that UFC boss Dana White helped pay for new teeth following his defeat to Khamzat Chimaev.
Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder compete in a pivotal middleweight clash weeks before Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev fight for the middleweight title. In the aftermath of UFC 318, the mixed martial arts promotion heads to Abu Dhabi.