Taking another exciting trip to the Middle East for a rip-roaring mixed martial arts showcase at the Etihad Arena, the UFC looks to close the month of July in a big way when former champion Robert Whittaker faces surging contender Reinier de Ridder in the UFC on ABC 9 main event. In the UFC on ABC 9 co-main event, bantamweight striking specialist locks horns with newly-minted ranked opponent Marcus McGhee.
UFC on ABC 9 Main Event
For the better part of a decade, Whittaker has stood as one of the 185-lb classes’ most elite figures ahead of UFC on ABC 9, having once reigned as the undisputed champion of the division with one title defense. Although his strap has eluded him, “The Reaper” is still considered an integral part of the category’s upper echelon, proven by his past wins over Marvin Vettori, Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov.
Arriving in the UFC last November, de Ridder has competed three times in the Octagon, defeating standout names in Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland and hot undefeated prospect Bo Nickal. Going up against his most notable adversary to date, “The Dutch Knight” can cause a significant shake up in the title picture should he topple the venerable Whittaker at UFC on ABC 9.
UFC on ABC 9 Co-Main Event
Last year, Yan appeared to have reinvented himself as a true force in the 135-lb landscape, winning two bouts in a row over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo, definitively ending an unfortunate three-fight skid. Seeking to get back on top of the mountain, “No Mercy” can make a strong case for a second crack at current bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili with another impressive victory this weekend at UFC on ABC 9.
In his final contest of 2024, McGhee propelled himself into the rankings for the first time in his UFC tenure with a dominant showing against Jonathan Martinez. Not content with resting on his current standing, “The Maniac” has his eyes set on even bigger prizes that reside at the top of the bantamweight ladder.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Rounding out the main card, one-eyed Russian sensation Sharabutdin Magomedov returns to action opposite stark Canadian competitor Marc-André Barriault. Then, streaking flyweight contender Asu Almabayev aims to rebound from his latest defeat against Jose Ochoa. Finally, light heavyweight bruisers Nikita Krylov and Bogdan Guskov come to blows in a thrilling battle between European standouts.
UFC on ABC 9 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
- UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
- PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
- ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC on ABC 9 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC 318:
- Hank Strandberg: 117-75
- Drew Zuhosky: 100-92
- Jeremy Brand: 88-71
- Frazer Krohn: 88-73
- Andrew Benjamin: 22-85
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Nikita Krylov -202
Vs.
Bogdan Guskov +172
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Krylov by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Krylov by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Guskov by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Krylov by round 2 submission
Andrew Benjamin: Krylov by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Krylov: 4
Staff picking Guskov: 1
Asu Almabaev -120
Vs.
Jose Ochoa +100
FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Almabaev by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Almabaev by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Ochoa by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Almabaev by unanimous decision
Andrew Benjamin: Almabaev by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Almabaev: 4
Staff picking Ochoa: 1
Sharabutdin Magomedov -650
Vs.
Marc-André Barriault +475
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Barriault by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Magomedov by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Magomedov: 4
Staff picking Barriault: 1
Petr Yan -375
Vs.
Marcus McGhee +300
BANTAMWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Yan by first round Knockout
Hank Strandberg: Yan by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Yan by first round Knockout
Frazer Kron: Yan by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Yan by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Yan: 5
Staff picking McGhee: 0
Robert Whittaker -145
Vs.
Reinier de Ridder +125
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Whittaker by Unanimous Decision
Hank Strandberg: de Ridder by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: de Ridder by first round Knockout
Frazer Kron: Whittaker by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: de Ridder by first round Submission
Staff picking Whittaker: 2
Staff picking de Ridder: 3
