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UFC Fight Night – Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: Preview & Betting Tips

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | By Jake Staniland | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 1:22 PM ET

The middleweight division has a potential passing of the torch fight this weekend as former UFC champion Robert Whittaker takes on rising contender and former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder in the main event of the latest UFC Fight Night.

Whittaker’s (27-8) resume speaks for itself. All of his UFC losses have come against championship-caliber opponents: Israel Adesanya (twice), Dricus du Plessis, and Stephen Thompson, making it clear that only the elite of the elite can solve “The Reaper”. And we’ll find out whether the Dutchman can make that step up.

While De Ridder (20-2) has impressed since joining the UFC, notching three straight wins including a shocking TKO of Bo Nickal, this is the first time he’ll share the cage with someone who’s consistently been among the top three middleweights for nearly a decade.

Tale of the Tape

Robert Whittaker – Odds 1.67 (Bet 365)

Record: 27-8

Age: 34

Height: 6ft

Reach: 73”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Orthodox

Reinier de Ridder – Odds 2.25 (Bet 365)

Record: 20-2

Age: 34

Height: 6ft4

Reach: 78”

Weight: Middleweight

Stance: Southpaw

Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder: Analysis

Whittaker’s footwork, feints, and blitzing combinations remain among the most dangerous in the division, and his takedown defence has historically frustrated even top-tier grapplers, except in his last outing against Khamzat Chimaev of course.

De Ridder’s clearest path to victory lies on the ground. The submission wins over Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert were smooth, and his control on the mat is suffocating. However, he was knocked out in ONE by Anatoly Malykhin, and while his recent striking improvements were on full display against Nickal, Whittaker’s power and timing are an entirely different beast.

Of course, we cannot forget Whittaker’s ability to control the range, and against someone with a five-inch reach advantage, this will need to be on full display on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi.

Whittaker vs De Ridder: Prediction & Betting Tips

While De Ridder’s UFC run has been impressive, the leap from Bo Nickal to Robert Whittaker is huge. Whittaker’s takedown defence and ability to punish opponents with lightning-quick combinations make this a tough night for De Ridder unless he can drag the fight to the canvas early and often, similar to how Chimaev did.

Whittaker has too many weapons, too much experience, and too much speed for De Ridder to navigate safely for five rounds. I like Robert Whittaker in this one.

I’m taking Robert Whittaker moneyline at odds of 1.67 (Bet 365). I’m also willing to double down on the Aussie and wager something on Robert Whittaker to win by knockout or technical knockout at odds of 2.75 (Bet 365).

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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