Reinier de Ridder is poised to make a significant impact in his UFC career this weekend as he faces former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, a matchup that could elevate him into title contention. The Dutch fighter has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC, boasting a perfect 3-0 record over the past 8.5 months which includes two submission victories and one technical knockout.
The upcoming fight at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will be de Ridder’s first main event and his inaugural five-round contest with the organization. Confident about his capabilities, de Ridder stated, “I don’t plan on it going five rounds if I have anything to say about it.”
De Ridder, who held titles in TWO-weight divisions in ONE Championship, suffered setbacks when he lost both belts to Anatoly Malykhin but quickly regrouped with a decisive TKO victory before transitioning to the UFC. He has remained unbeaten as a middleweight, showcasing his grappling skills with an impressive debut win against Gerald Meerschaert, followed by victories over Kevin Holland and Bo Nickal.
Meanwhile, Whittaker, ranked No. 5 and a veteran with extensive experience, will be looking to rebound from a tough defeat against Khamzat Chimaev that resulted in injuries requiring dental work. He has been a crucial figure in the division, known for his striking prowess and tactical acumen.
In preparation for this fight, de Ridder has dedicated extensive time to analyzing Whittaker’s fights to develop a strategy, acknowledging that while Whittaker might hold an edge in striking, any ground exchange will favor him. Training alongside notable partners, including Aung La Nsang, has further honed his skills.
The matchup promises to be thrilling, as both fighters have proven talents and are looking to position themselves favorably in the middleweight division. De Ridder’s journey reflects a persistent dedication to evolve and adapt, and with a win, he could emerge as a prominent contender for the title.
The event also features other compelling fights, including former bantamweight champion Petr Yan risking his standing against undefeated Marcus McGhee, and rising star Bryce Mitchell making his bantamweight debut against Said Nurmagomedov.
With an action-packed card on Saturday, fans have much to look forward to, showcasing both new talents and seasoned veterans within the UFC.