UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs De Ridder 7/26/2025
Live Streaming
Preview
The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi for UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs. de Ridder, featuring a compelling Middleweight showdown between former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and the hot-rising submission specialist Reinier de Ridder—a bout that could serve as a title eliminator depending on its outcome. Whittaker looks to bounce back from a devastating loss to Khamzat Chimaev, including major dental injuries, while de Ridder arrives undefeated in three UFC fights and eager to cement his place among the top contenders. The co-main event features former bantamweight champion Petr Yan against promotional newcomer Marcus McGhee, another high-stakes bout with implications in the 135‑lb division. ([turn0search22], [turn0search1], [turn0news10], [turn0news19])
Date & Location
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Broadcast: Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 12 p.m. ET; Main card on ABC/ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET ([turn0search22], [turn0search3], [turn0news10])
Match Card
Main Card (ABC/ESPN+, 5×5 rounds) – Middle East time zone (GMT+4):
- Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder – Middleweight main event (5 rounds) ([turn0search22])
- Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee – Bantamweight co-main (3 rounds) ([turn0search3], [turn0news19])
- Shara Magomedov vs. Marc‑Andre Barriault – Middleweight (3 rounds) ([turn0news19])
- Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Light Heavyweight (3 rounds) ([turn0news19])
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov – Bantamweight (3 rounds) ([turn0search3])
Prelims (ESPN/ESPN+):
- Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci – Women’s Strawweight
- Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Davey Grant – Bantamweight
- Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal – Welterweight
- Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana – Light Heavyweight
- Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen – Featherweight
- Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha – Heavyweight debutoccasional grappler profiles ([turn0search3], [turn0news10])
Conclusion
- Main Event: Robert Whittaker, rebounding from his previous submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev and serious dental injuries, aims to reestablish his standing against the undefeated submission ace Reinier de Ridder. A win could reposition him in the middleweight title conversation, while a loss could elevate de Ridder toward a top-ten ranking—or even a title shot later in 2025. ([turn0news12], [turn0news13], [turn0news19])
- Co‑Main: Petr Yan returns as a former bantamweight champ with his sights set on redemption, while rising prospect Marcus McGhee seeks a breakout win. The fight carries career-defining stakes for both men. ([turn0news19])
- Undercard Highlights: Shara Magomedov looks to bounce back from his first pro loss; Bryce Mitchell steps into bantamweight contention; and debutant Marcus “Buchecha” faces heavyweight Martin Buday—each contributing to a deep, action-packed match slate. The overall card balances crossover veterans and rising debutants across weight classes.