Last night at Etihad Arena, UFC Fight Night made a thrilling return to Abu Dhabi. From the opening bell, the atmosphere was electric—packed with adrenaline, roaring fans, and raw power—all brought together in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
All eyes were on the headline clash between former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and rising star Reinier de Ridder. With the audience roaring and tensions high, the two delivered a hard-fought battle — but it was de Ridder who walked away with a career-defining win. In a razor-close split decision, the undefeated newcomer proved he belongs in the UFC elite. A major moment for the former ONE Championship double champ.
Fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of grit — the kind of fight that reminds you why this sport is electric.
Aside from the main event, there were 11 more bouts. The co-main event saw bantamweights Petr Yan and Marcus McGhee go head-to-head, while the preliminary card delivered a mix of exciting matchups—highlighted by Steven Nguyen, who scored a TKO victory over Mohammad Yahya after landing six knockdowns, setting a UFC record for the most in a single fight.
From start to finish, UFC Abu Dhabi last night had everything: cheering crowds, top-tier matchups, and that unmatched fight night buzz. The UAE capital once again delivered a night that fans won’t forget anytime soon, setting the stage for the upcoming Pay-Per-View on Saturday, October 25, when Etihad Arena will host the electrifying heavyweight showdown between champion Tom Aspinall and top contender Ciryl Gane.
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