UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder — Full Card Breakdown & How to Watch Live

ABU DHABI — The Octagon returns to the UAE, and it's bringing fireworks. UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder takes center stage this Saturday from the iconic Etihad Arena, and this main event has real middleweight title implications. Whether you're couch-side or streaming on the move, here’s everything you need to know to catch every punch, takedown, and jaw-dropper.

🧨 The Main Event Breakdown

Former champ Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker (26-8) is out to prove he’s still a dominant force at 185 pounds. Sure, he’s coming off a tough loss to Khamzat Chimaev, but don’t let that fool you—Whittaker remains one of the most dangerous, well-rounded strikers in the UFC. His movement, timing, and experience make him a nightmare matchup for just about anyone.

Standing in his way? Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder (20-2)—a surging powerhouse who just demolished Bo Nickal in his last outing with a second-round TKO that shook up the division. That performance didn’t just earn him a bonus—it earned him respect. And now he’s gunning for a statement win over a former champion.

📺 How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder

• 📅 Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
• 📍 Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
• 🕛 Main Card Start: 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT
• 📡 Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, or stream on Fubo (free trial available)
• 🥊 Prelims: Kick off at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT on ESPN & ESPN+

💥 Main Card
🔹 Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight (5 Rounds)
🔹 Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight
🔹 Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault – Middleweight
🔹 Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa – Flyweight
🔹 Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov – Light Heavyweight

🔥 Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
🔹 Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight
🔹 Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda – Welterweight
🔹 Davey Grant vs Da’Mon Blackshear – Bantamweight
🔹 Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci – Women’s Strawweight
🔹 İbo Aslan vs Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
🔹 Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen – Featherweight
🔹 Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha – Heavyweight

💸 Ticket Details

Want to catch the action live? Ticket prices at Etihad Arena range from £40 (AED 195) to a ringside experience that’ll run you £2,120 (AED 10,500). While steep, it’s a more budget-friendly outing than most 2025 UFC PPV events.

🔮 Main Event Prediction

If Whittaker keeps it standing, he controls the fight. His striking IQ and footwork are elite—and if he can maintain distance and stay off the mat, we see a unanimous decision win in his future.

But don’t sleep on de Ridder. The Dutchman has 13 submission wins and thrives in chaos. One mistake, one clinch, and this fight could hit the canvas fast—and end even faster.

🧠 What’s On The Line?

This isn’t just a Fight Night main event—it’s a launchpad for a 2026 title shot. With Dricus du Plessis and Chimaev looming, the winner walks away with momentum and a real case for gold.

🗣 MainEvent.News | Backstage Take:

Whittaker’s experience and striking should give him the edge—but de Ridder is that wild card you can’t prepare for. If “Bobby Knuckles” stays composed, he walks out with the W. But if de Ridder gets a grip on him? We might see another viral finish. Buckle up.