Reinier de Ridder remained undefeated in the UFC with a split decision victory over Robert Whittaker, showcasing impressive grappling and striking in a grueling five-round battle.
Reinier de Ridder kept his undefeated streak alive in the UFC, edging out former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker by split decision. It was a grueling five-round battle.
Despite getting floored by a punch in round three, de Ridder showcased impressive grappling. He hurt Whittaker with vicious knees to the body, controlled the distance, and outworked him in the clinch. That sealed his victory in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event.
The judges scored it 48-47 twice for de Ridder, with one judge favoring Whittaker. This win bumps de Ridder to 4-0 in the octagon.
“Very close,” de Ridder admitted. “I don’t want fights like this. I’d rather finish in the first round.”
He hinted at future matchups. “Maybe Khamzat [Chimaev]-Dricus [du Plessis] next. I want a shot at the strap.”
Both fighters were exhausted after five rounds, but de Ridder’s workrate and striking damage stood out. Whittaker started strong, firing quick combinations, cutting de Ridder early.
Whittaker’s right hand was like a laser, landing at will. De Ridder countered with a knee to the body, but Whittaker retaliated with more stinging punches.
De Ridder found success with his knees, landing hard shots that hurt Whittaker. This led to his first takedown, where he peppered Whittaker with punches.
“I expected to choke him out,” de Ridder said. “But he was so tough and durable.”
Round three saw de Ridder wobble Whittaker with a slick combo, only to be dropped by a huge overhand right. Whittaker pounced with elbows, but de Ridder survived.
Back on their feet, de Ridder managed another takedown as both fighters gasped for air. Whittaker resisted takedowns, but de Ridder landed another punishing knee.
The final round was tight. De Ridder pressed Whittaker against the cage, seeking a takedown. Whittaker defended well but struggled to generate offense.
As they separated, Whittaker threw combinations, but de Ridder countered with knees and jabs. The fight ended with de Ridder pushing Whittaker against the cage.
Not the outcome Whittaker wanted, marking his second straight loss after a submission defeat to Khamzat Chimaev. “Pretty butt hurt,” Whittaker admitted. “He did what he said he would.”
De Ridder’s win positions him well in the division. With Dricus du Plessis defending against Chimaev at UFC 319, de Ridder awaits the outcome. The result, along with Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho at UFC Paris, will likely determine the next title challenger.