The most important event of UFC Abu Dhabi sets two top middle weights against each other, because they both strive for a future title shot.
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker takes on Reinier de Ridder, who is a former champion in the middleweight and slightly heavyweight in the only promotion.
RDR won his first three fights in the UFC, but will have to contend with a tough opponent in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event.
Whittaker is the #5 ranked middleweight, and a victory here can propel him in the near future to a title shot against Dricus du Plessis.
The bloody elbow personnel has made their predictions about what will happen in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi between Whittaker and De Ridder.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder predictions
Ross Markey: I tend to Robert Whittaker who are popping up this weekend with a victory over Reinier de Ridder. Admittedly, the most recent victory of the Dutchman over Bo Nickal was extremely impressive, but the former champion has seen it all in the Octagon earlier.
Whether that is the very highest grapplers or sneaky strikers. I choose Whittaker to appear with a decision gain in the middle east.
Prediction: Robert Whittaker via decision
Harvey Leonard: De Ridder has countless benefits in this fight, from his size and scope to his struggling competence, but I just can't see him the better one of the most rounded hunters in the game.
That is, unless Whittaker is decreasing. The crushing loss for Khamzat Chimaev was not enough to suggest that this is still the case, so I expect that 'the Reaper' would bounce back with a decision in Abu Dhabi.
Prediction: Robert Whittaker via decision
Jamie Theodosi: This is one of the most intriguing middleweight matchups so far this year. On paper, many fans can think that it will be a one -sided victory for Whittaker because of his experience at the highest level for so many years.
But Reinier de Ridder is as uncomfortable as they come. He has a struggle at elite level and is awkward on the feet. Nevertheless, I cannot look beyond the skills of Whittaker and his ability to destroy the strengths of his opponents.
Prediction: Robert Whittaker via decision
Hamish Woodward: Although this fight could go in all directions, Robert Whittaker has too much in his game to go against an impressive Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi.
He is a former world champion and has the skills to overcome De Ridder's fantastic grasping capacity, and the Dutchman must be discovered in his fourth UFC fight.
Prediction: Robert Whittaker via decision