A middleweight clash with title implications headlines UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and former two-division ONE Championship king Reinier de Ridder fight weeks before a 185-pound title fight at UFC 319.

Bo Nickal tasted his first professional defeat in MMA, courtesy of Reinier de Ridder.

UFC Abu Dhabi headliner Reinier de Ridder had to overcome an imposing two-division champ for his first taste of world championship glory. De Ridder is currently in pursuit of the UFC middleweight title after signing with MMA’s leading promotion in 2024. He’s gotten off to a strong start, winning all three of his Octagon appearances to date.

Former two-division ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder arguably may already be the most successful fighter to go from ONE to the UFC. The Dutchman has won his first three fights in the Octagon since his November debut,

Chimaev’s wrestling has been incredibly dominant, but with de Ridder being known for his incredibly crafty and creative submission game, ‘RDR’ could pose the undefeated star some interesting problems.

Netherlands’ very own is coming off an impressive win against former UFC contender series winner Bo Nickal and looks to make his name by beating ‘The Reaper’. A win for either fighter gets them an opportunity against the winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev, the Russian has fortunately passed the hurdle of US customs for the fight.