Robert Whittaker returns to Abu Dhabi looking for a win, while Reinier de Ridder attempts to continue to climb up the ladder in the middleweight division.
Here’s how to watch UFC Abu Dhabi, including streaming options to catch the preliminaries and the main card.
Where to watch UFC Abu Dhabi: Whittaker vs. de Ridder
The event is on ABC. Cord-cutters can also stream the fight on Fubo, which is currently offering a free trial.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
Fight fans can also watch UFC Abu Dhabi on ESPN+. Stream over 30,000 live events from the best leagues in the world, including PGA Tour, WNBA, UFC and more. Plus, access the full 30 for 30 library and ESPN Originals featuring the top names in sports.
What time is UFC Abu Dhabi on today?
- Date: Saturday, July 26
- Start time: 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. ET prelims) | 12 p.m. PT
- Location: Etihad Arena – Abu Dhabi, UAE
The main card for UFC Abu Dhabi begins at 3 p.m. ET, with the prelims starting at 12 p.m. ET. Whittaker and de Ridder should make their way to the octagon around 6 p.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
Whittaker (26-8) won the UFC middleweight title in 2017 but lost it against Israel Adesanya in 2019. Since then, he has gone 6-3 in his last nine fights and is 2-2 in his last four. “The Reaper” last fought in October, in Abu Dhabi, with Khamzat Chimaev beating him while dislocating his jaw.
The Aussie born in New Zealand wants to hold gold again. However, at 34, he knows he’s close to hanging up the gloves. A win against de Ridder would start a path that could potentially end in glory.
“Four fights,” Whittaker told FOX Sports Australia via MMA Fighting. “I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want four more, that’s me. I see the stepping stones needed to do what I want to do. Four fights gets me into that title shot, gets me into a position to finish on top, to have that fairy tale ending. I’m working towards it.”
De Ridder (20-2) is a former ONE middleweight and light heavyweight champion. The Dutch fighter is 3-0 with three finishes to start his UFC career, taking out Bo Nickal in May.
“The Dutch Knight” returns to Abu Dhabi for the first time in a year, the last fight before entering the octagon. To insert himself into the top five at middleweight, de Ridder looks to make a statement against a former UFC champion.
“The pressure is the most important thing for me,” De Ridder told MMA Junkie. “I’ve got to put pressure on him. I’ve got to bring the heat early because I cannot let him move. I cannot let him see what’s happening. I cannot let him play.
“He likes to bounce. He likes to look, and I’m sure I’m going to take him down. It’s what I like the most, and I have to put him on his ass at least once. But we’ll see if I can do damage meanwhile before.”
UFC Abu Dhabi fight card
Main Card
- Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder; Middleweights
- Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee; Bantamweights
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov; Bantamweights
- Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault; Middleweights
Prelims
- Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov; Light Heavyweights
- Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci; Strawweights
- Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal; Welterweights
- İbo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana; Light Heavyweights
- Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha; Heavyweights
- Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen; Featherweights
- Davey Grant vs. Da’Mon Blackshear; Bantamweights
