The main event of UFC Abu Dhabi pits two top Middleweights against one another as they both aim for a future title shot.
Former UFC Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker takes on Reinier de Ridder, who is a former champion at Middleweight and Light Heavyweight in the ONE promotion.
RDR won his first three fights in the UFC but will have to contend with a tough opponent in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.
Whittaker is the #5 ranked Middleweight, and a win here could propel him towards a title shot against Dricus du Plessis in the near future.
The Bloody Elbow staff has made their predictions about what will happen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi between Whittaker and de Ridder.
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Robert Whittaker vs Reinier De Ridder predictions
Ross Markey: I’m leaning toward Robert Whittaker emerging with a win over Reinier de Ridder this weekend. Granted, the Dutchman’s most recent win over Bo Nickal was hugely impressive, but the former champion has seen it all before in the Octagon.
Whether that be supreme grapplers or sneaky strikers. I’m picking Whittaker to emerge with a decision win in the Middle East.
PREDICTION: ROBERT WHITTAKER VIA DECISION
Harvey Leonard: De Ridder has numerous advantages in this fight, from his size and reach to his grappling prowess, but I just can’t see him getting the better of one of the most well-rounded fighters in the game.
That is, unless Whittaker is on the decline. The crushing loss to Khamzat Chimaev was not enough to suggest that is the case just yet, so I expect ‘The Reaper’ to bounce back with a decision in Abu Dhabi.
PREDICTION: ROBERT WHITTAKER VIA DECISION
Jamie Theodosi: This is one of the most intriguing middleweight matchups so far this year. On paper, many fans may think that it’ll be a one-sided win for Whittaker because of his experience at the top level for so many years.
But Reinier De Ridder is as awkward as they come. He has elite-level grappling and is awkward on the feet. Despite that, I can’t look past Whittaker’s skillset and his ability to nullify his opponents’ strengths.
PREDICTION: ROBERT WHITTAKER VIA DECISION
Hamish Woodward: While this fight could go either way, Robert Whittaker has too much in his game to go down against an admittedly impressive Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi.
He is a former world champion for a reason and has the skillset to overcome de Ridder’s fantastic grappling ability, and the Dutchman should be found out in his fourth UFC fight.
PREDICTION: ROBERT WHITTAKER VIA DECISION