UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder 7/26/2025

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Preview

The UFC returns to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025 for a pivotal Middleweight main event: former champion Robert Whittaker faces undefeated rising star Reinier de Ridder in what many consider a potential title eliminator. Whittaker aims to rebound from a devastating submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev—during which he suffered a severe dental injury—while de Ridder brings momentum after three dominant UFC wins. With Makvers Evloev–Pico scratched from the co-main, bantamweights Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee now step in as the featured supporting bout, shaping this card into a critical crossroad for contenders and veterans alike.

Date & Location

Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Broadcast: Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 12:00 PM ET; Main Card on ABC/ESPN+ at 3:00 PM ET

Match Card

Main Card (ABC/ESPN+, 3 PM ET)

Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight
Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight
Shara Magomedov vs. Marc‑Andre Barriault – Middleweight
Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa – Flyweight
Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light Heavyweight

Prelims (ESPN/ESPN+, 12 PM ET)

Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight
Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal – Welterweight
Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Davey Grant – Bantamweight
Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci – Women’s Strawweight
Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen – Featherweight
Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha – Heavyweight debut

Conclusion

Robert Whittaker steps into the Octagon back in Abu Dhabi, still recovering physically and emotionally from the brutal loss to Chimaev that dislodged several of his teeth. His performance against a committed grappler like Reinier de Ridder will determine if he remains a viable threat in the middleweight title race. Meanwhile, de Ridder arrives undefeated in UFC action—two submission wins and a TKO over top prospect Bo Nickal—ready to capitalize and possibly catapult into top-eight status with a striking win. The co-main sees Petr Yan, a former bantamweight champion, against local standout Marcus McGhee, a fight that could shake up the 135‑lb rankings. The rest of the card blends seasoned veterans and international prospects across six weight classes, creating a night of varied stylistic contests and high-stakes opportunity