July 25, 2025
Rob Whittaker Returns at UFC on ABC in Abu Dhabi: Can “The Reaper” Reignite His Title Run?
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is set to return to the Octagon on July 25th at UFC Fon ABC in Abu Dhabi where he’ll face Reinier de Ridder in a must-win matchup for the Aussie star.
After his bout with Khamzat Chimaev went unexpectedly horrible, requiring jaw surgery after he went down in the first round back in October 2024. Whittaker wasted no time accepting a new opponent, proving once again why he’s one of the most respected names in the sport. Reinier de Ridder currently ranked #13, recently displaced the once touted prospect in Bo Nickal before removing him from the bout and the sport with a vicious knee. Whittaker remains laser-focused on reclaiming his spot at the top.
“He’s dangerous, no doubt,”
Whittaker said in a recent interview.
“But I’ve been preparing for a war. I’m ready to go.”
New Look, New Camp
To sharpen his tools for this short-notice opponent, Whittaker brought in a fresh wave of high-level training partners. Joining him for this camp were Jimmy Crute (read our full profile on Crute here), former Eternal MMA middleweight champion Mat Myers, and rising UFC welterweight Jono Micallef, who will also be in Whittaker’s corner on fight night. The blend of experience, youth, and intensity gave Whittaker a fresh edge heading into the matchup.
Why This Fight Matters
At 34 years old, Whittaker remains Australia’s most decorated UFC athlete. A win here keeps him firmly in the mix for another crack at UFC gold, especially with a middleweight title fight between previous foes Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev looming later next month.
Whittaker last fought in July 2023, where he suffered a setback against Du Plessis. Now, with a full camp behind him and the pressure of title contention back on the table, this Saudi Arabia fight could mark the start of a serious comeback.
Rob Whittaker by the Numbers
- Rank: #5 Middleweight in the world
- Record: 26-8
- Notable wins: Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, Darren Till
- UFC bonus awards: 8 (Fight of the Night x3, Performance x5)
Whittaker has long been known for his well-rounded skillset, elite fight IQ, and toughness under pressure. Against de Ridder, who boasts brutal knockout power and a strong grappling base, Rob’s movement, timing, and composure will be critical.
One More Run?
For Aussie MMA fans, Whittaker’s return isn’t just another fight. It’s a chance to witness one of our own potentially climb back into title contention and rewrite the final chapter of an already legendary career.
Catch Whittaker vs de Ridder live on July 25th at UFC on ABC in Abu Dhabi. The Reaper is back, and he’s hunting for redemption.
