Whittaker vs. de Ridder to main event UFC Abu Dhabi in July

A middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder will serve as the main event for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, the promotion announced Saturday.

Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, lost his last UFC appearance by submission to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024.

Meanwhile, de Ridder has been riding a hot streak since signing with the UFC in September 2024. He's won all three of his fights, including a TKO victory over Bo Nickal earlier in May. His previous two wins came via submission.

Whittaker holds a 26-8 MMA record, while de Ridder owns a 20-2 mark.