UFC Fight Night returns with a main event featuring two middleweights battling it out at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The event takes place on Saturday the 26th of July, and promises entertaining matchups throughout the card. Below, we preview the headline bout along with two other main card fights from a betting perspective.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
ROBERT WHITTAKER vs REINIER DE RIDDER
Middleweight Main Event
Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, represents Australia and is widely regarded as one of the most technically polished strikers in the division. He brings a lot of experience into the octagon, having fought within the institution for nearly 13 years and in this time, he has built up an impressive record of 15 wins and 6 losses.
He went on a lengthy run of winning form between 2012 and 2018, however since then he has lost a few fights. Despite that he has won 3 of his last 5 fights, with the most recent unfortunately ending in a round 1 submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev when they met in October.
Reinier de Ridder, hailing from the Netherlands, enters this fight with a perfect 3-0 record in the UFC, having fought for the first time in 2024. He has a reputation built on his elite grappling abilities and it is important to note that all 3 of his appearances have concluded in a win via finish with 2 by submission and 1 by knockout.
His most recent test was against Bo Nickal when they fought in May, and de Ridder picked up a knockout victory in the 2nd round.
BETTING – click here to bet
Whittaker 1.62
De Ridder 2.38
PREDICTION:
This fight will likely come down to who can impose their style first, Whittaker on the feet or de Ridder on the ground. I’m expecting a cat-and-mouse battle early, but Whittaker’s ability to sprawl and strike should carry him to a decision win.
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PETR YAN vs MARCUS McGHEE
Bantamweight Main Card Bout
Petr Yan, the Russian former bantamweight champion, is known for his high fight IQ, crisp boxing, and constant pressure which he applies. Despite setbacks in recent years, his 10-4 record includes wins over Urijah Faber and José Aldo, and he has come close to beating some of the current best fighters in the division.
He had a tough time between 2022 and 2023 where he met with high level opposition, losing 3 fights in a row, however, he has bounced back strong to win his 2 latest fights with the most recent resulting in a decision victory over Deiveson Figueiredo in November.
Marcus McGhee, fighting out of the USA, is a rising name in the UFC and he possesses a solid record due to winning his first 4 fights within the organization. He brings explosive power and dynamic movement to the cage, often catching opponents off-guard with unpredictable entries and slick counters.
This will be a major step up in competition for the American prospect, but after winning 3 of his 4 fights by finish he should not be overlooked. The last time he stepped into the octagon was against Jonathan Martinez at UFC 309 where he won by decision after 3 rounds.
BETTING – click here to bet
Yan 1.28
McGhee 4.00
PREDICTION:
While McGhee’s speed and power could trouble Yan early, the Russian’s experience and technical edge should see him take control as the rounds progress. I’m backing Yan to win by knockout in round 3.
SHARA MAGOMEDOV vs MARC-ANDRE BARRIAULT
Middleweight Main Card Bout
Shara Magomedov, fighting out of Russia, enters this contest with a near-perfect 15-1 record and a reputation for ferocious striking skills. Of these 16 fights at a professional level, 5 have been within the UFC.
He’s a creative striker with knockout power in both hands and the ability to string together high-volume combinations. He won his first 4 fights with 2 by knockout and 2 by decision, however, he then lost to Michael Page in his latest encounter which took place in February, by decision.
Marc-André Barriault is a Canadian fighter who makes use of a well-balanced style. He made his debut back in 2019 and has been inconsistent ever since, winning 6 and losing 8 of his clashes, with 1 ending in a no contest.
He has battled across his last 4 fights, losing 3 in a row during 2024, however he just got back in the winning column a few months ago by beating Bruno Silva via round 1 knockout at UFC 315.
BETTING – click here to bet
Magomedov 1.16
Barriault 5.50
PREDICTION:
This clash favors Magomedov on paper and I think he will get through Barriault without too much trouble, winning the fight by round 2 knockout.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Whittaker vs de Ridder
Whittaker by decision at 3.90
Yan vs McGhee
Yan by Ko at 5.00
Magomedov vs Barriault
Magomedov by Ko at 1.60 or for a bigger price to win in round 2 at 4.50
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
