Reinier de Ridder edges Robert Whittaker in 5-round thriller
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Khamzat Chimaev cautions fans not to overlook Robert Whittaker’s skills ahead of their highly anticipated Abu Dhabi clash.
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Dricus du Plessis has a history of turning skepticism into victory, but Robert Whittaker thinks his current path could lead to defeat. Since becoming champion, the South African has held onto his title with two successful defences.
Reinier de Ridder will turn his attention to a middleweight title shot next, after beating former champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.
At UFC 308 inside Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, Whittaker was quickly submitted by Khamzat Chimaev, who locked in a gruesome face crank that displaced the Australian former champion’s front teeth. Despite the nature of that loss, it is a different defeat that has ‘The Reaper’ wishing for a chance at a do-over.
Reinier De Ridder eyes the winner of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev title fight after defeating a former champion.
Robert Whittaker’s teeth were brutally shattered in his last UFC fight. And with ‘The Reaper’ set to return to the same venue as his crushing defeat to Khamzat Chimaev last time
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was left badly damaged by Khamzat Chimaev in 2024, but something good seemingly came from the difficult result.
Robert Whittaker is on his first losing skid in more than 11 years after UFC Abu Dhabi, raising questions about his future.
UFC star Robert Whittaker has said that UFC boss Dana White helped pay for new teeth following his defeat to Khamzat Chimaev.
Nine of Chimaev's 14 professional MMA victories have come via first-round finish, and although 'Borz' has shown he can do well in fights outside of the first round, Whittaker believes that if the South African can survive Chimaev's early onslaught, he will retain his middleweight title.