UFC Fight Night Whittaker vs de Ridder Preview
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on July 26th with Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder headlining in an exciting middleweight bout. Former champion Whittaker is looking to bounce back after his brutal submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev, while de Ridder is making an unexpected surge into the rankings at 185 lbs.
Elsewhere, a light heavyweight bout has the chance to steal the show, and another former champ, Petr Yan, is looking to open up a route back to a title shot. With our Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov predictions already in the bag, let’s take a look at the biggest fights on the UFC Fight Night Whittaker vs de Ridder card.
Robbert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder Predictions
Fight Prediction: Reinier de Ridder via submission
One of our best MMA predictions this week is for Reinier de Ridder to play spoiler once again and defeat Robert Whittaker. This is an exciting fight between two skilled middleweights. Whittaker is one of the best fighters in the division, and de Ridder’s stock is way up after his upset victory over Bo Nickal.
However, this fight looks all wrong for Whittaker. He has struggled against bigger and stronger wrestlers in recent fights, being dominated by Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. De Ridder is all of those things, and his unorthodox striking is akin to du Plessis.
He is the betting underdog in this fight, but we are backing him to make a habit of upsetting the odds by beating Whittaker. Expect him to keep Whittaker busy with his awkward striking before dragging him to the mat and hunting for his 14th career submission in 23 fights.
Robbert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder Betting Tips
Best Bet: Reinier de Ridder to win
There is no doubt that this is de Ridder’s toughest test since joining the UFC, but stylistically, this looks like a nightmare for Bobby Knucks. We like a bet on Reinier de Ridder to win and overcome his underdog status once again. You can extend those odds by backing the Dutchman to win via submission. Two of his three UFC wins have come via sub, and Whittaker has struggled with strong grapplers like the Dutch Knight.
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee Predictions
Fight Prediction: Petr Yan via unanimous decision
It’s been a strange few years for Petr Yan since he lost his title in his infamous DQ loss to Aljamain Sterling. He bounced back to win the interim belt before losing two paper-thin split decisions to Aljo and Sean O’Malley. However, we have still seen plenty from the Russian to indicate that he is still one of the best UFC fighters in the promotion. Marcus McGhee has enjoyed an excellent start to life in the UFC, but this is a gigantic step up.
Expect Yan to use his high-level wrestling early here, rag-dolling McGhee like he has many Bantamweights before. McGhee is untested against wrestlers anywhere near Yan’s level, and this could be a baptism of fire. No Mercy will control the American fighter comfortably on the way to a decision victory.
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee Betting Tips
Best Bet: Petr Yan to win via decision
Discounting the illegal knee disqualification, we have not seen a finish in a Petr Yan fight in over five years. He is more of a volume striker than a power puncher, although some big kicks have fight-ending possibilities. Regardless, we expect Yan to play it smart here and outclass McGhee on the ground, controlling him on the way to a win on the scorecards. Petr Yan to win via decision is worth 3/5 with our online sportsbook.
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci Predictions
Fight Prediction: Amanda Ribas via decision
This all-Brazilian clash between Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci is one of the most intriguing stylistic matchups on the card. Both women are talented grapplers with well-rounded games, but Ribas has the higher ceiling and more experience at the elite level. While Ricci is tenacious, aggressive, and always willing to scrap, she’s yet to face the level of competition that Ribas has consistently battled throughout her UFC tenure.
Don’t expect a finish here. Both fighters are durable and tough to put away. But Ribas’s ability to mix her striking and wrestling, along with her gas tank and cage savvy, should be enough to secure a clear decision on the cards. If she sticks to her fundamentals and avoids brawling, she’ll likely be a step ahead for most of the contest.
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci Betting Tips
Best Bet: Amanda Ribas to win via decision
This could be an entertaining grappling match with both women showcasing their fine jiu-jitsu. Expect a mix of clean striking and time spent on the mat. However, we expect Ribas to just about come out on top. There is potential for a submission here, but the safer option is to bet on Amanda Ribas to win via decision.
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov Predictions
Fight Prediction: Nikita Krylov via submission
These two men are among the baddest in the light heavyweight division. Both men are lethal, with Krylov carrying 12 knockout victories on his record and Guskov having 14. What could make this fight even more entertaining is the way they both step forward and fight with their hands down. Horrible to watch for their coaches, excellent for those who love violence. However, what sets them apart is the well-roundedness of Krylov.
As well as his power, the Miner is an excellent submission wrestler. Guskov’s defensive wrestling has been sloppy, and he gives up his back way too easily. Krylov will look to take the fight to the ground and finish it there. He has a very impressive 16 submission victories on his record, and Guskov’s only experience against a fighter of this level ended poorly. He was submitted by a rear-naked choke by Volkan Oezdemir in round one. Krylov’s experience and ground game should help him win this fight.
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov Betting Tips
Best Bet: Nikita Krlyov to win via TKO/KO/DQ or Submission
Our best wager for this fight is a double chance bet on Krylov. We do not see this fight going to the judges’ scorecards, and Krylov is the most likely winner inside three rounds. He has a multitude of tools he can end fights with. A bet on the Russian to win via TKO/TKO/DQ or submission is worth 3/4 for anyone betting on the UFC.
You can combine this tip with our Shara Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault predictions. Betting on both fights could lead to much higher returns than backing each event separately.
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder Best Bets Summary
If you like our tips for this event, you can combine them into an accumulator. These are our best bets, and at 11/,1 it is certainly worth a wager!
- Reinier de Ridder to win (11/10)
- Petr Yan to win via decision (3/5)
- Amanda Ribas to win via decision (6/5)
- Nikita Krylov to win via TKO/KO/DQ or Submission (3/4)
