The UFC's first fight card of 2025 in Abu Dhabi features Robert Whittaker against Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, is ranked No. 6 and recently lost to Khamzat Chimaev. De Ridder, unranked but an undefeated former champion in One Championship, has finished all three of his UFC opponents. Analysts provide predictions, with one favoring Whittaker by decision and another predicting de Ridder to win by decision. There is uncertainty about de Ridder’s capabilities against top-tier opponents, with Whittaker seen as more experienced in the Octagon.
Whittaker, a former UFC middleweight champion, is ranked No. 6 in ESPN's divisional rankings. He suffered a first-round submission loss against Khamzat Chimaev in his last Octagon appearance at UFC 308.
De Ridder, unranked by ESPN, is a former two-division champion in One Championship. De Ridder is undefeated since making his UFC debut at a UFC Fight Night last November. He has finished all three of his UFC opponents.
ESPN MMA analysts provide their main event predictions, with Anthony Smith picking Whittaker by decision and Din Thomas choosing de Ridder by decision.
Experts are uncertain about de Ridder's level among the top fighters. They acknowledge Whittaker's experience and skills, considering him a better martial artist.
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