ABU DHABI: UFC Fight Night is set to electrify the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 26 July, with an epic middleweight showdown between former champion Robert Whittaker and fast-rising contender Reinier de Ridder. This major event, hosted in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), promises a night of thrilling action for mixed martial arts fans across the region.
The matchup carries symbolic weight for Whittaker, as it marks exactly five years since he headlined the closing event of the original Fight Island series on 26 July 2020 — a defining moment in his career when he defeated Darren Till behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year, the Australian returns to a packed arena, ready to write a new chapter in the city that helped shape his UFC legacy.
Meanwhile, Reinier de Ridder, a multi-division champion in other organisations and a fresh name in UFC’s middleweight ranks, poses a formidable challenge. Known for his grappling dominance and unorthodox style, de Ridder steps into the octagon with momentum and high expectations.
UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi, now an established fight capital, further highlights the city’s growing global stature in combat sports. With Etihad Arena’s world-class facilities and a passionate fanbase, the event is expected to be a high-octane spectacle.
Tickets for the event are already in demand, and fans can expect a stacked fight card filled with regional talents and international stars, making this one of the must-watch sporting events of the summer.
Meet the Fighters
Robert Whittaker
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is one of the division’s most experienced and respected athletes. Known for his crisp striking, relentless pace, and tactical intelligence, the Australian fighter has faced the toughest names in the sport, including Israel Adesanya, Yoel Romero, and Darren Till. With a professional MMA record packed with memorable wins, Whittaker returns to Abu Dhabi seeking to reassert himself among the title contenders. His last appearance in the UAE capital, on 26 July 2020, ended in a decisive victory — a memory he now hopes to replicate in front of a live crowd.
Reinier de Ridder
Dutch martial artist Reinier de Ridder enters the UFC spotlight as a rising force with championship pedigree. A former two-division titleholder in ONE Championship, de Ridder is best known for his elite grappling and submission prowess, having finished most of his opponents on the ground. His transition to the UFC has generated excitement, with fans eager to see how his skill set translates in a highly competitive middleweight division. Facing a seasoned contender like Whittaker marks the biggest test of his career, and a win could instantly propel him into the top tier of the UFC rankings.
