Early UFC Abu Dhabi Predictions & Odds: Whittaker vs de Ridder

• UFC Abu Dhabi takes place Saturday, July 26th, at the Etihad Arena on Fight Island
• Robert Whittaker meets surging contender Reinier de Ridder in a pivotal middleweight main event
• Check out our UFC Abu Dhabi predictions and betting analysis below

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for another afternoon of fights, with former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker looking to turn back the challenge of red-hot submission specialist Reinier de Ridder this Saturday, July 26th.

The card kicks off with early prelims at noon ET on ESPN+ and the main card starting at 3 pm ET on ABC. Here are my UFC Abu Dhabi predictions for the biggest fights on the card.

Whittaker vs de Ridder Prediction

Reinier de Ridder might be the best free agent signing the UFC has made in years. The former ONE Championship double champ has run through three straight UFC opponents, finishing every single one. That includes an upset submission of wrestling phenom Bo Nickal.

Now, de Ridder faces his biggest challenge in Robert Whittaker. The former middleweight champion is still one of the best in the division, but this matchup appears all wrong for him.

Tale of the Tape

The size gap is enormous. De Ridder stands 4 inches taller with a 4.5-inch reach advantage. That matters at middleweight, especially when you factor in de Ridder’s world-class grappling.

Whittaker’s had trouble with big, strong grapplers. Both Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev pushed him around with their size. De Ridder brings the same problems but with even slicker submissions.

De Ridder’s game plan writes itself: use his reach to get inside, take Whittaker down, and look for the finish. His gas tank is great for a big middleweight, and he’s proven he can submit guys late after grinding them down.

Whittaker has to keep it on the feet and box. But that’s tough when you’re giving up that much size. De Ridder should survive the early going and take control down the stretch.

• Whittaker vs de Ridder Pick: Reinier de Ridder (+130)

Yan vs McGhee Prediction

Petr Yan badly needs a win after losing four of his last six, but he caught a break with Marcus McGhee. The former bantamweight champ is still top-notch everywhere, while McGhee hasn’t proven himself against elite competition.

McGhee brings scary power and athleticism, but he’s never dealt with anyone like Yan. The Russian’s footwork, defense, and body shots should take over once McGhee slows down.

Yan just needs to avoid eating bombs early. McGhee comes out swinging in round one, but he runs out of gas quickly. If Yan uses his slick defense to survive that, he should coast to a decision.

• Yan vs McGhee Pick: Petr Yan via Decision

Other UFC Abu Dhabi Predictions

Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov:

This line feels off. Nurmagomedov has never been finished and is comfortable at bantamweight. Mitchell is coming off two bad knockout losses and is cutting to 135 for the first time. The market has this backwards.

• Pick: Said Nurmagomedov (+105)

Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault:

The UFC handed Shara Bullet a gift here. Barriault is game, but he’s been stopped twice recently and can’t keep up with Magomedov’s wild kicks and movement. This bout won’t last long.

• Pick: Shara Magomedov by KO

Carlos Leal vs Muslim Salikhov:

Time waits for no one, and Salikhov is 41 years old against a younger bull. Leal specializes in breaking down older fighters with pressure, dirty boxing, and body work. Salikhov’s fancy kicks won’t matter when he’s getting mauled.

• Pick: Carlos Leal (-455)

Marcus Buchecha vs Martin Buday:

This is a total mismatch. Buchecha is one of the best grapplers to ever step in the cage, while Buday has never faced anyone close to that level. The second this goes to the ground, it’ll be a wrap.

• Pick: Marcus Buchecha by Submission

Best Bet UFC Parlay:

Carlos Leal + Shara Magomedov + Petr Yan (-110)

We are parlaying big favorites who should take care of business against overmatched opponents. Sometimes you just need to ride with the chalk.

UFC Abu Dhabi Odds 2025

Odds as of July 22nd at DraftKings. Check out the best UFC betting apps for UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

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The early UFC Abu Dhabi betting lines have some head-scratchers. De Ridder at +130 against Whittaker is a steal considering the size gap and grappling threat. Said Nurmagomedov getting plus money makes even less sense given Mitchell’s recent knockouts and first-time weight cut.

On the favorite side, oddsmakers are heavily juicing Leal, Magomedov, and Yan for good reason. All three are fighting guys who are either washed or completely outgunned. Your best UFC Abu Dhabi plays are de Ridder straight up and that heavy favorite parlay.