The UFC Fight Night at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, delivered a night of high-octane MMA action, headlined by Reinier de Ridder’s stunning split-decision upset over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. With a card packed with veterans and emerging talents, this event cemented Abu Dhabi’s place as a global MMA hotspot. De Ridder’s victory shook up the middleweight division, while other fighters made bold statements for their futures. Here’s a deep dive into the event’s highlights, what’s next for the UFC, and the rising stars you need to know. Join the conversation by sharing your pick for the next middleweight contender on X with #UFCAbuDhabi!

Recap: De Ridder Shocks Whittaker and Other Key Fights

The main event saw Reinier de Ridder, the former ONE Championship two-division king, outlast Robert Whittaker in a five-round battle, earning a split-decision win (48-47, 47-48, 48-47). De Ridder weathered a third-round scare, using precise knees and relentless pressure to secure his fourth UFC victory. Post-fight, he called out the winner of the UFC 319 middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, set for August 16, 2025. X erupted with reactions, with @espnmma tweeting, “DE RIDDER STUNS WHITTAKER! MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION ON NOTICE  #UFCAbuDhabi.” Some fans, like @MMAGuru99, called the decision “too close,” sparking heated debates.

In the co-main event, former bantamweight champ Petr Yan dominated Marcus McGhee via unanimous decision (29-28 x3), proving he’s still a title threat at 135 pounds. Shara Magomedov’s bloody unanimous decision over Marc-André Barriault earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, while Bogdan Guskov’s first-round TKO of Nikita Krylov sent shockwaves through the light heavyweight division. Asu Almabayev’s wrestling clinic against Jose Ochoa and Steven Nguyen’s brutal TKO of Mohammad Yahya (another bonus winner) rounded out a memorable card.

Middleweight Division Shake-Up

De Ridder’s win over Whittaker, ranked No. 5 in the middleweight division, has reshaped the title picture. The 34-year-old Whittaker (26-9) showed heart but dropped his second straight fight, leading ESPN’s Marc Raimondi to suggest de Ridder is “the new face of the division’s future.” De Ridder’s 4-0 UFC run, including stoppages of Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and Bo Nickal, positions him for a potential title shot or a clash with Sean Strickland. However, X user @FightJunkie88 called his title shot push “premature,” arguing he needs a top-3 win first. Whittaker, now a gatekeeper, remains a dangerous test for any contender.

With UFC 319’s Du Plessis vs. Chimaev title fight looming, the winner could face de Ridder or Strickland in early 2026. Shara Magomedov’s rise adds intrigue, as his flashy striking could earn him a ranked opponent like Brendan Allen next.

Rising Stars to Watch

1. Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight, 21-2): The “Dutch Knight” is 4-0 in the UFC, blending elite grappling with improved striking. His win over Whittaker makes him a title contender. Next up? Possibly Strickland or the UFC 319 winner.
2. Shara Magomedov (Middleweight, 15-0): The “one-eyed assassin” dazzled with spinning kicks and toughness against Barriault. Fans on X, like @UFCBuzz, love his “highlight-reel potential.” A fight with Allen or Roman Dolidze could elevate him.
3. Asu Almabayev (Flyweight, 20-3): His dominant decision over Ochoa showcased his wrestling. A matchup with a top-10 flyweight like Manel Kape could be next.
4. Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight, 16-3): His TKO of Krylov marked him as a knockout threat. A bout against Volkan Oezdemir could push him into the top 10.

What’s Next: Upcoming Fights and Contenders

The UFC’s 2025 calendar is stacked. UFC 319’s Du Plessis vs. Chimaev fight will shape the middleweight title race, with de Ridder and Strickland waiting in the wings. UFC 320 (Ankalaev vs. Pereira 2) and UFC 321 (Aspinall vs. Gane) feature rising stars like Movsar Evloev, who was pulled from Abu Dhabi due to injury but is now set to face Aaron Pico at UFC 319. In the middleweight division, Caio Borralho vs. Nassourdine Imavov and Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Hernandez at upcoming Fight Nights could produce the next wave of contenders. Petr Yan’s win sets him up for a bantamweight title eliminator against Merab Dvalishvili or Sean O’Malley in 2026.

Engagement Hook: Highlights and Title Challenger Poll

Catch the best moments from UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi—from de Ridder’s clutch performance to Guskov’s devastating TKO—in our highlight reel at www.clickusanews.com/ufc-abu-dhabi-highlights. Who’s the next middleweight title challenger? Vote in our poll:

Who should fight for the UFC middleweight title next?

• Reinier de Ridder
• Sean Strickland
• Shara Magomedov
• Other (Share your pick on X with #UFCAbuDhabi)

Visit www.clickusanews.com/ufc-poll to cast your vote and see what fans think!

Why It Matters

UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi was a showcase of MMA’s global reach, with Etihad Arena delivering a card that blended veterans like Yan with breakout stars like de Ridder and Magomedov. As the UFC builds toward UFC 319, the middleweight division is more open than ever, with new talent driving the narrative. Abu Dhabi’s “Fight Island” legacy, backed by the Department of Culture and Tourism, continues to draw global attention, and X reactions show fans are buzzing. Don’t miss the chance to join the conversation!

Call to Action

Who’s your pick for the next UFC middleweight title challenger? Post it on X with #UFCAbuDhabi and tag @ClickUSANews for a chance to be featured on www.clickusanews.com. Watch the highlight reel and vote in our poll at www.clickusanews.com/ufc-abu-dhabi-highlights. Let’s hear your take!