Whittaker vs. De Ridder Scorecard Breakdown: How The Judges Saw UFC Abu Dhabi’s Thrilling Co-Main Event

The octagon lights dimmed in Abu Dhabi as Robert Whittaker and UFC newcomer Reinier de Ridder locked horns in what turned out to be one of the most tactical battles of the year. While many expected the former middleweight champ to steamroll the ONE Championship import, what we got instead was a chess match that had the judges working overtime.

I’ve seen my fair share of controversial scorecards over the years, but this one had the MMA community buzzing for all the right reasons. Let’s break down exactly how the judges scored this technical affair and what it means for both fighters moving forward.

The Official Scorecard: Numbers Don’t Lie

When Bruce Buffer announced Reinier de Ridder as the winner by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28), the Etihad Arena erupted. Here’s exactly how each judge saw the fight:

Insert image of the official scorecard here

Round-by-Round Breakdown: What The Judges Saw

Round 1: The Grappling Clinic

De Ridder came out showing exactly why they call him “The Dutch Knight.” Immediately implementing his grappling pedigree, he controlled Whittaker against the fence and secured a takedown that had the former champ working defensively. Two of the three judges gave him the nod for his control time and aggression, despite Whittaker landing the cleaner strikes when they were separated.

You could feel the energy shift when de Ridder started finding success early. This wasn’t supposed to be in the script for Whittaker’s comeback story.

Round 2: Whittaker Finds His Range

The second frame saw “The Reaper” adjust beautifully. His takedown defense tightened up, and his signature jab started marking up de Ridder’s face. While one judge still saw it for the Dutchman, the other two awarded it to Whittaker for his precision striking and defensive wrestling.

This is where I thought Whittaker would take control and never look back. Boy, was I wrong.

Round 3: The Championship Round

With everything hanging in the balance, de Ridder showed championship mettle. Despite facing a former UFC champ who’s known for his cardio, the UFC debutant pushed forward, mixing striking with grappling attempts. Two judges rewarded his pressure and versatility, while one saw it for Whittaker’s counter striking.

The final minutes had me on the edge of my seat. Every exchange felt like it could swing the fight either way.

What This Victory Means For De Ridder

Let’s not mince words – this is absolutely massive for Reinier de Ridder. Beating a fighter of Whittaker’s caliber in your UFC debut is the kind of statement that bypasses the usual “climb the ladder” process. The former two-division ONE Championship titleholder just proved he belongs among the elite.

“I knew I could hang with these guys,” de Ridder told me in the post-fight scrum. “People thought I was crazy when I said I could beat the UFC’s best, but now they have to put some respect on my name.”

At 33, de Ridder remains perfect in his UFC career and improves to 17-1 overall. The middleweight division just got a whole lot more interesting.

Whittaker’s Path Forward After Surprise Setback

For Robert Whittaker, this loss stings in ways that go beyond the numbers. Coming off his knockout defeat to Dricus Du Plessis, many expected this to be a get-back fight for the Australian. Instead, it raises serious questions about his path back to title contention.

Still only 33 himself, Whittaker isn’t done by any stretch. But the former champ finds himself in unfamiliar territory – having to rebuild after consecutive losses for the first time in his middleweight career.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see him take some time off to regroup before making another run. The Reaper has always been resilient, and I expect nothing less this time around.

Fan Reactions: Did The Judges Get It Right?

The MMA community immediately split into camps following the decision. While the striking numbers slightly favored Whittaker (significant strikes: 54-39), de Ridder’s control time and grappling exchanges clearly influenced the judges.

UFC commentator Daniel Cormier noted during the broadcast: “This is exactly why we say don’t leave it to the judges. Both men had moments, but neither completely dominated.”

What did you think about the decision? I’m genuinely curious because I had it 29-28 for Whittaker, but can absolutely see how de Ridder got his hand raised.

What’s Next For Both Fighters?

The middleweight landscape shifts with this result. For de Ridder, a top-10 opponent seems guaranteed. Names like Jared Cannonier or Sean Strickland would make for fascinating stylistic matchups.

Whittaker now faces the tough road of fighting down the rankings. A battle with someone like Nassourdine Imavov could make sense as he looks to rebuild momentum.

Final Thoughts: A Star-Making Performance

Split decisions always leave room for debate, but what’s inarguable is that Reinier de Ridder announced himself to the UFC audience in spectacular fashion. In a division hungry for fresh contenders, his performance against one of the weight class’s most consistent performers signals that a new threat has arrived.

Abu Dhabi has a history of producing memorable moments in the octagon, and while this fight might not have had the highlight-reel finish some hoped for, the technical chess match and subsequent scorecard controversy ensure it won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Are you surprised by de Ridder’s successful UFC debut? Do you think he can make a run at UFC gold? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: UFC Official Scorecards, UFC Abu Dhabi