Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC on ABC
Robert Whittaker is hoping to bounce back from his beatdown at the hands of Khazmat Chimaev in October 2024 with a victory over Reinier de Ridder in the UFC on ABC main event today. He's a slight favorite, but both men have extensive combat experience and should deliver a brawl to the distance. Peter Alexis takes a look at this Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder UFC middleweight clash.
Peter Alexis - July 26, 2025, 2:15 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadRobert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest Odds for UFC on ABC
Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, looking to rebound in the middleweight main event of UFC on ABC. Whittaker, a former UFC Middleweight Champion with a 27‑8 record, suffered a brutal first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev last October, in which several bottom teeth were shattered by the face-crank finish. Though not a jaw fracture, the injury was severe enough that he underwent dental implants during his recovery period.
Opposite him is Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder, former champion in the ONE Championship league, who has stormed into the UFC with three straight finishes. He's notched a submission over Gerald Meerschaert, a first-round choke of Kevin Holland, and a second-round TKO from a knee to the body against Bo Nickal at UFC on ESPN 67 in May 2025. With his grappling pedigree and rising confidence, de Ridder seeks a breakthrough by toppling a former champion on the global stage.
Can Whittaker repair his image after a damaging knockout last October? Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for the UFC on ABC main event of Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder.
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Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Odds
- Moneyline: Whittaker (-150), de Ridder (+130)
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Time: 5:15 PM ET (Estimated Fight Time)
- Where to Watch: ABC
Click here for complete Whittaker vs. de Ridder odds
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Prediction
At age 34, both men bring experience, but Whittaker’s bigger portfolio of elite-level bouts against fighters like Adesanya, Romero, Costa, and Aliskerov gives him a strategic and technical edge in high-pressure situations. His striking, built on precise footwork, feints, and blitzing combinations, is complemented by takedown defense that has historically frustrated most grapplers.
De Ridder, though physically imposing at 6′4″ with long reach and elite submission capabilities, is stepping up in competition sharply. His path to victory hinges on dragging Whittaker to the canvas early and deploying high-volume grappling. But Whittaker’s takedown defense (around 77–81%) and ability to keep the fight upright make it a tall task for De Ridder unless he lands takedowns decisively and repeatedly.
Robert Whittaker by Unanimous Decision (+350) or TKO (+165) is the most likely scenario. He can control distance with superior striking volume (50+ at -165 odds vs. De Ridder’s 40+ at -130 odds for significant strikes) and funnel exchanges into circles, darts and counters. His card is full of championship experience, including handling taller, rangy opponents, making him well-suited to circumvent height and grappling threats from de Ridder.
Robert Whittaker is the smart money pick tonight. His combination of elite striking, experience against top-tier competition, and strong takedown defense sets a blueprint for victory. Expect him to impose pace and range, frustrate De Ridder, and earn a decision, with a late TKO also in play if De Ridder tires under relentless combinations. De Ridder’s upside lies in his grappling, but without early control on the ground, he’ll likely find himself outpointed and outclassed.
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Pick
- Pick: Robert Whittaker Moneyline (-145) Click here for complete Whittaker vs. de Ridder odds
MMA ODDS & PICKS
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