UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder – Must-See Fights Breakdown

This Saturday, July 26, 2025, the UFC returns to Abu Dhabi as Etihad Arena hosts UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder. This article breaks down my favorite must-see fights on this weekend’s card. Let’s dive in!

Bryce Mitchell (17-3-0) vs. Said Nurmagomedov (18-4-0) – UFC Abu Dhabi Bantamweight Clash

Said Nurmagomedov welcomes Bryce Mitchell to the 135-pound division on Saturday, and anyone claiming they aren’t intrigued by the flat-earther’s move to bantamweight is lying! Mitchell has become a polarizing figure recently, thanks to his controversial views on a certain Austrian-German historical figure. After Jean Silva dominated him at 145 pounds, Mitchell drops to bantamweight, hoping to reinvent himself. If his power and slick submission skills translate to the lower weight class, he could be a real problem for the division and a potential challenger for Merab Dvalishvili’s 135-pound title.

Mitchell hasn’t picked an easy debut opponent. While Said Nurmagomedov shares a last name with Khabib, they aren’t related. Still, Said has carved out a solid reputation with an 18-4 record, including nine finishes (submissions and knockouts). He’s proven durable, never having been finished in his 22-fight career. So, while Mitchell aims to make a statement at 135, overlooking the Russian could be costly. This featured prelim is a must-watch!

Petr Yan (18-5-0) vs. Marcus McGhee (10-1-0) – UFC Abu Dhabi Bantamweight Co-Main Event

Even casual UFC fans know Petr Yan. The Russian, nicknamed “No Mercy,” is a fan favorite and nearly impossible to dislike. The former bantamweight champion consistently delivers exciting fights with his masterful boxing, arguably the best in the UFC. The 32-year-old Yan enters with an 18-5 professional record, coming off a unanimous decision win over Deiveson Figueiredo.

Yan faces Marcus “The Maniac” McGhee on Saturday. McGhee is 4-0 in the UFC, earning an impressive three Performance of the Night bonuses across those bouts. His professional record stands at 10-1, with his only loss to Rafael Souza at LFA 83 in 2020.

If you’re not hyped for this fight, you might not be an MMA fan. Yan’s crisp, technical striking paired with McGhee’s all-action approach is a recipe for fireworks. I’m not predicting a McGhee win, but it’s likely he earns another performance bonus, or both fighters deliver a “Fight of the Night” contender. 50 G’s, baby!

Robert Whittaker (26-8-0) vs. Reinier de Ridder (20-2-0) – UFC Abu Dhabi Middleweight Main Event

The moment this main event was announced, I was hooked. It’s a classic matchup of a rising star against a battle-tested veteran coming off a devastating loss.

Robert Whittaker is a warrior. The former UFC middleweight champion has a resume proving he’ll fight anyone, anywhere, anytime. Known as “The Reaper” or “Bobby Knuckles,” Whittaker has been with the UFC since 2012, compiling a 14-5 record in 19 fights. In his last outing at the same Etihad Arena, he suffered a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev. Undeterred, the New Zealand-born Australian is determined to get back on track by defeating de Ridder and re-entering the 185-pound title picture.

Reinier de Ridder, meanwhile, is on a tear since joining the UFC in 2024. The grappling specialist is 3-0 in the Octagon, most recently derailing Bo Nickal’s hype train with a second-round TKO. The former ONE Championship two-division champion boasts a 20-2 record, with 13 submission wins, including five rear-naked chokes—a submission he loves and will likely hunt for against Whittaker. A win here could earn him a title shot or a No. 1 contender bout.

Don’t blink for this one, folks. The main event will cap an action-packed card in Abu Dhabi with an emphatic finish.

As always,

Enjoy the violence.

Phil

Phillip Dean

Phillip Dean is a seasoned combat sports journalist from England, with over 27 years of ringside experience. Phillip delivers engaging, in-depth reporting on the world of combat sports.