In a pivotal clash of elite middleweights, former UFC champion Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker faces surging Dutch grappler Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder in the headline bout of UFC on ABC 9, live from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This five-round main event could determine the next title challenger at 185 pounds.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Robert Whittaker | Reinier de Ridder |
| Age | 34 | 34 |
| Height | 6′0″ | 6′4″ |
| Reach | 73.5″ | 78″ |
| Record (MMA) | 27-8-0 | 20-2-0 |
| UFC Record | 17-6 | 4-0 |
| Style | Karate/Kickboxing | Judo/BJJ Grappling |
| UFC Ranking | #5 Middleweight | #13 Middleweight |
Robert Whittaker – The Tactical Striker
Strengths:
Elite footwork and deceptive angles
Crisp jab, blitzing combos, and rear-leg kicks
Strong takedown defense and scrambling ability
Recent Form:
Loss to Khamzat Chimaev (Sub, Oct 2024)
Win over Ikram Aliskerov (KO, June 2024)
Loss to Dricus du Plessis (TKO, July 2023)
Whittaker remains one of the most cerebral strikers in MMA. His ability to feint, shift tempo, and strike off breaks makes him a nightmare for grapplers. Despite recent setbacks, he’s only lost to top-tier opponents and still holds wins over Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, and Marvin Vettori.
Reinier de Ridder – The Submission Maestro
Strengths:
Relentless grappling with 14 submission wins
Improved southpaw striking and clinch knees
Excellent positional control and transitions
Recent Form:
KO win over Bo Nickal (May 2025)
Sub win over Kevin Holland (Jan 2025)
Sub win over Gerald Meerschaert (2024)
De Ridder has transitioned seamlessly from ONE Championship to the UFC, going 4-0 with dominant finishes. His long frame and judo base allow him to chain takedowns and smother opponents. His win over Bo Nickal shocked many and cemented his status as a legitimate contender.
Key Matchup Dynamics
Striker vs. Grappler: Whittaker’s takedown defense and ability to strike off breaks will be tested against de Ridder’s pressure and clinch entries.
Range Management: De Ridder’s reach and front kicks could disrupt Whittaker’s rhythm, but Whittaker’s blitzes and angles can close distance quickly.
Ground Threat: If de Ridder secures top position early, his submission arsenal could overwhelm even a BJJ black belt like Whittaker.
FIGHT ODDS
Robert Whittaker – 150
Reinier de Ridder + 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 25, 2025
