Whittaker vs. De Ridder: UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event Official as Both Fighters Make Weight

The stage is set for what promises to be an explosive middleweight showdown in Abu Dhabi. Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and ONE Championship star Reinier de Ridder both hit their marks on the scale early Friday morning, making their highly anticipated main event official.

No drama, no last-minute weight cuts, just two elite middleweights ready to throw down in the desert.

Championship Caliber Discipline on Display

If you’ve followed MMA long enough, you know weigh-in day can bring unexpected chaos. Not this time. Both fighters displayed the professionalism you’d expect from athletes of their caliber, with Whittaker and de Ridder looking composed and focused during the early morning proceedings.

I’ve covered dozens of weigh-ins throughout my career, and there’s something telling about how fighters approach the scale. Both men showed up early—a sign they had their weight under control days before—and neither showed signs of a difficult cut.

Insert image: [Robert Whittaker on the scale at UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins]

Tale of the Tape: Championship Pedigrees Collide

Whittaker Seeks Return to Title Contention

For “The Reaper,” this fight represents another step in his campaign to reclaim UFC gold. Looking sharp and focused at the weigh-ins, Whittaker continues to demonstrate why he remains one of the division’s elite.

“I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling ready,” Whittaker told reporters after weighing in. “The preparation has been perfect, and now it’s time to do what I do best.”

Coming off a statement victory over Paulo Costa, the Australian striker appears determined to remind the division why he once ruled as champion.

De Ridder’s UFC Debut Carries High Stakes

For the Dutch submission specialist, this moment has been years in the making. After dominating ONE Championship’s middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, de Ridder finally gets his shot at UFC competition against no less than a former world champion.

“This is the opportunity I’ve been working toward my entire career,” de Ridder said. “I’m here to prove I belong among the very best in the world.”

The grappling ace looked confident and comfortable on the scale, showing no signs of the pressure that must come with such a high-profile UFC debut.

Insert image: [Reinier de Ridder weighing in for his UFC debut]

What to Expect in the Octagon

This matchup presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Whittaker brings elite striking combined with some of the best takedown defense in the division. De Ridder counters with world-class grappling and a submission game that has finished many opponents.

Will Whittaker keep it standing and pick apart de Ridder from range? Or will the Dutch submission specialist find a way to close distance and test the former champion’s ground game?

Abu Dhabi Crowd Ready for International Showdown

The Etihad Arena is expected to be electric for this cross-promotional clash of stars. Abu Dhabi has established itself as a fighting capital in recent years, and fans are in for a treat with this technician’s battle between two of the world’s best middleweights.

Having covered several events in the UAE, I can tell you there’s something special about fight night in Abu Dhabi. The energy is different—a perfect backdrop for what could be a career-defining moment for both men.

Don’t Miss This Middleweight Masterclass

With both fighters making weight without issue, we’re all systems go for Saturday night. Whether you’re a striking purist or submission enthusiast, this main event offers something for every MMA fan.

Who are you picking in this clash of champions? Drop your predictions in the comments below and tune in Saturday to see who emerges victorious in what promises to be one of the most technical middleweight bouts of the year.

Source: UFC Abu Dhabi Official Weigh-In Results