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UFC on ABC 9: Thrilling Attractions Cleared for Takeoff in Abu Dhabi

Originally posted on MMA Sucka | By Drew Zuhosky | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 4:39 AM ET

UFC on ABC 9 (a.k.a., UFC Abu Dhabi) is almost here! Friday morning, ahead of the second UFC show on The Alphabet Network in over a month, the official weigh-in window took place from the United Arab Emirates while a number of people in North America were nestled snug in their beds.

Live coverage of UFC on ABC 9 begins Saturday afternoon (USA time) with the prelims at 12 noon ET/ 9 am PT. If you’re watching from the United States of America, this portion of the show can be seen via ESPN on linear television and ESPN+ by way of streaming media.

Action from the UFC on ABC 9 main card caps the day at 3 pm ET/ noon PT tomorrow. You don’t even need cable to watch the main card. It’s free on your local ABC station, in addition to ESPN+ on streaming video. All told, tomorrow’s schedule is set to feature 12 MMA fights after today’s weigh-in window.

UFC on ABC 9 Main Event: No. 5 Contender Robert Whittaker vs. No. 13 Contender Reinier de Ridder

At the top of the bill on Saturday afternoon, you’ll see a middleweight contest in the UFC on ABC 9 main event. No. 5 contender Robert Whittaker (185 1/2 lbs) will face off against No. 13 contender and former double-champ in ONE Championship Reinier de Ridder (186 lbs.)

Both contenders made use of the 1-lb allowance for nontitle fights to make the contracted weight. This is a five-round fight at five minutes per round to close out the show.

UFC on ABC 9 Co-Main Event: No. 3 Contender Petr Yan vs. No. 12 Contender Marcus McGhee

The co-main event for tomorrow afternoon’s show in the United Arab Emirates will also go ahead as planned. No. 3 contender Petr Yan (135 1/2 lbs) and No. 12 contender Marcus McGhee (136 lbs) came in either at or within the 136-lb maximum for bantamweight nontitle affairs.

This contest will be an advertised maximum of three rounds at five minutes per round inside the fabled Octagon from Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.