UFC Abu Dhabi goes down this weekend with a huge middleweight fight headlining the promotion’s return to the Etihad Arena. Former interim and undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, returns to action and looks to get back in the win column when he meets streaking contender, Reinier de Ridder. RDR features for the third time this year, looking to continue his undefeated UFC run and extend his finishing streak to five straight.
The winner of this five-rounder will position themselves handily in the title picture in the coming months.
You can check out our full UFC Abu Dhabi preview podcast and reaction to some huge fight announcements here:
UFC Abu Dhabi – Robert Whittaker’s Keys to Victory
Whittaker’s keys to victory in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event are fairly straight forwards. He has to jab heavy and often. This will allow him to maintain his range and using the jab as a weapon will benefit him in this one. Using the jab will help him maintain the centre of the octagon, our next key to victory. Whittaker is a great counter wrestler; however, his job is made far more difficult if he gets pressed against the octagon. Staying centred, holding his feet and standing his ground are really going to benefit him here.
Finally, Whittaker would benefit from using his side kick to the knee. This will help him maintain the distance between himself and de Ridder as well as being utilised as a weapon.
de Ridder’s Keys to Victory
de Ridder needs to pressure Whittaker in this one. He needs to be on the front foot, meet Whittaker in the middle of the octagon and look to push him back. Make him feel his presence. He’s bigger, longer and must look to bully Whittaker – A really tough task.
He has to clinch early and clinch often. Again, use his superior height and look to punish Whittaker when the two men clinch up. Knees up the middle to Whittaker’s mid-section will tax the gas tank of The Reaper.
Finally, he has to focus on maintaining his position if he gets the fight to the floor, rather than searching for the submission. If de Ridder gets the fight to the ground, Whittaker’s gameplan will be to look to pop back to his feet as quickly as possible. To combat this, de Ridder needs to be heavy on top and make sure that he prioritises position over submission.
Who do you see winning at in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event? Let us know in the comments!
