De Ridder beats Whittaker in middleweight fight at UFC Abu Dhabi | Mixed Martial Arts News

Reinier de Ridder survives a brutal knockdown to win by split decision against Robert Whittaker in the main event at Etihad Arena in the UAE.

In a closely contested bout at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker by split decision, despite being knocked down in the third round. De Ridder landed 169 strikes overall and called for a title shot following his victory, while Whittaker suffered his second consecutive loss.