De Ridder Splits his way past Whittaker
Reinier de Ridder took a narrow victory over Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi.
The main event of UFC Fight Nighy Abu Dhabi was a back and forth affair with huge momentum swings.
Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker shut down all of de Ridder’s first round takedowns and was effective with his trademark blitz. Whittaker was well in control until a well place left knee took his wind allowing RDR to get the takedown with three minutes left in the second. The first minute of third Whittaker had his chance. The Aussie connected flush with a right hand dropping the former One two division world champion. As Whittaker flew into RDR’s guard to rain down elbows it looked like the Dutch BJJ Black belt went out and was woken right back up by and shot. Managing to get back to his feet de Ridder secured a takedown allowing him to recover the rest of the round. While every shot Whittaker landed at distance was a stinging blow drawing noticeable reaction from de Ridder. The Dutchman continued to press Whittaker into the cage clinching at every chance racking up insignificant strikes to the body that earned the split decision.
De Ridder showed why he’s a world class competitor and though as shoe leather. While it felt like the first criteria of DAMAGE was done by Whittaker RDR definitely put in an effort. At 34-years old it makes sense that time is of the essence for De Ridder to get in the title picture but it feels like he’s behind the winner of Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov.
Former Bantamweight champion Petr Yan again had a slow start but staring finish. The Russian striker gave away the first round to MMA LAB power house Marcus McGee. But with the championship experience and proper information gathered in the first round. Yan covered up from McGhee’s entrance and fired back heavy combinations as soon as McGhee ended his offense. That now three wins in a row for Yan since a three fight skid during 2022 & 2023.
The fight of the honors went to Shara Magomedov versus Marc-Andre Barriault. Magomedov broke Barriault down with inside leg kicks in the first round. For anyone who questioned if the Russian fighter could endure being the nail, he can. Barriult rearranged Magomedov’s nose with a right hand in the second. Magomedov battled back in the clinch on the verge of stopping Barriult when the horn ended the second. Magomedov knees in the clinch and speed advantage at distance were huge differences makers.
The card also had a trio of spectacular finishes. Muslim Salikhov’s one punch walk off knock out of Carlos Leal earned a bonus. As did Steve Nguyen’s record setting seven knockdowns performance earning a second round TKO after closing Muhammad Yahya’s left eye. And Tabatha Ricci crumbled Amanda Ribas with tomahawk elbow into her right eye.
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