Rob Whittaker remains one of the most game fighters in the UFC.
Coming off a submission defeat to the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker is set to face surging Dutchman Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi on July 26 (July 27 in Australia).
The news of the Aussie’s next bout was confirmed on Sunday ahead of UFC 315, with “Bobby Knuckles” putting his number five ranking on the line against the avoided 34-year-old.
MORE: All the results and highlights from UFC 315
Coming back with a BANG 🔥@RobWhittakerMMA vs @ReinierdeRidder is the #UFCAbuDhabi main event!#InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/EWFeVBV6A8
— UFC (@ufc) May 10, 2025
De Ridder is coming into the fight with plenty of momentum and activity behind him – just last week he handed the hyped Bo Nickal his first loss with a dominant round two TKO win over the American.
Since debuting in the UFC late last year, de Ridder has also recorded wins over Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland, helping him to a ranking of 13th among the middleweights.
Whittaker, also 34, had been on a solid run himself before the loss to Chimaev, defeating Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov.
A win for either man in Abu Dhabi will ensure they remain right in the conversation for a title shot at 185-pounds.
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