UFC Abu Dhabi Picks: Best Bets for Whittaker vs. de Ridder July 26, 2025
,Dive into UFC Abu Dhabi picks & best bets for Whittaker vs de Ridder—with expert analysis, matchup breakdowns, and betting strategies.
Are you ready for UFC Abu Dhabi picks that deliver expert insight and betting value? On July 26, 2025, MMA fans will tune into UFC Fight Night at Etihad Arena, headlined by Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder. In this SEO-focused preview, we break down all angles—from ESPN analysts to betting experts—to help you spot the best bets for the middleweight showdown.
Why This Main Event Matters
- Whittaker is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and currently ESPN’s #6 at 185 lbs. He last fought at UFC 308 in October 2024, suffering a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev (ESPN.com).
- de Ridder, although unranked by ESPN, is undefeated in the UFC with three finishes in as many fights and a decorated two-division champion entry from ONE Championship (ESPN.com).
Both fighters are 34 years old, making this clash a battle of peak experience and styles—a real styles showdown.
Head-to-Head Analysis
Whittaker’s Strengths UFC Abu Dhabi Picks: Best Bets for Whittaker vs. de Ridder July 26, 2025
- Technical striker with elite movement, volume, and distance control
- Strong takedown defense (around 81%) and excellent cage awareness (RotoWire, RotoWire)
- Experience in five-round fights and championship rounds
de Ridder’s Weaponry
- Massive size: 6’4″ with 79″ reach, superior in clinch and grappling (RotoWire)
- 70% of career wins by submission; 13+ pro‑MMA submissions, Judo & BJJ black‑belt credentials (BetUS)
- Continuously pushing forward pressure, sightings of getting opponents to the mat via judo trips and clinch control (VSiN, MMASucka)
Key Tactical Considerations
- Can de Ridder secure takedowns? Whittaker has consistently defended elite wrestlers, but learned his lesson vs. Chimaev and Du Plessis (RotoWire).
- Will Whittaker stay off his back foot? Maintaining distance with jab and side kicks to the knee could be decisive (MMASucka).
- Durability & pacing: de Ridder has rarely gone past Round 3, while Whittaker is conditioned for late rounds and championship pace (ESPN.com).
Expert Picks & Quotes
ESPN Analyst Predictions (via ESPN preview) (ESPN.com)
- Anthony Smith: Picks Whittaker by decision
“Whittaker’s a better martial artist… de Ridder is a better grappler, but can he take him down and hold him there?”
- Din Thomas: Picks de Ridder by decision
“His forward pressure, length and mindset will wear on Whittaker… once mistakes happen, de Ridder doesn’t let you recover.”
Betting Expert (Ian Parker, ESPN) (ESPN.com)
- Recommends Whittaker moneyline (-150) citing de Ridder’s toughest test yet and Whittaker’s edge in long fights
Other Expert Perspectives
- Rohit Ponnaiya (Covers.com): Leans de Ridder moneyline (+130) and submission prop (+380) due to his physicality and finishing rate (Covers.com)
- Oddshark analyst: Likes Whittaker + over 2.5 rounds parlay, priced ~ +180 return (Odds Shark)
- BetUS: Favours Whittaker ML (~−155) and No-distance finish (−250) expecting either early finish or Whittaker stamina edge (BetUS)
Best Value Bets
| Bet Type | Suggested Pick | Why It’s a Solid Play |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Whittaker (−150 to −155) | Superior striking and fight IQ versus an untested UFC grappler |
| Moneyline Upset Value | de Ridder (+130 to +160) | Submission threat & size edge offer high ROI potential |
| Parlay: ML + Over 2.5 Rds | Whittaker + Over 2.5 (−120) | Strategy: veteran control over full 5 rounds yields +180 return |
| Prop Bet: Submission | de Ridder via Submission (+380) | High finishing rate—13 of 20 pro wins via submission |
Game Plan: Keys to Victory
Whittaker’s Path
- Use jab-heavy footwork and side kicks to maintain range (avoid clinch).
- Stay centered in octagon to prevent takedown setups (32-0 game plan).
- Push pace into championship rounds and capitalize in late rounds, where de Ridder may tire (MMASucka, RotoWire, Covers.com).
de Ridder’s Path
- Pressure early: clinch, skin-and-bones takedowns via judo, dusty trips.
- Once down, impose control and hunt for submission—not chase flashy finish unnecessarily.
- Capitalize off Whittaker’s jabs and movement by closing distance aggressively (MMASucka, VSiN).
This isn’t just another main event—it’s a pivotal moment for both fighters. Whittaker is fighting for relevance back in the title picture, while de Ridder can cement himself as a true contender with a signature upset. As Dana White said, “If de Ridder beats Whittaker, he’ll likely fight for title next.” (Telecom Asia Sport, The Economic Times)
Looking for safe plays? Stick with Whittaker on the moneyline or Whittaker + Over 2.5 rounds parlay. Backing de Ridder? The submission +380 offers thrilling upside but with higher risk.
Related Reads
- Internal Link: “How Robert Whittaker Transformed His Fighting Style Post-2019”
- Internal Link: “De Ridder’s Journey: From ONE FC Champion to UFC Contender”
- ESPN preview of Whittaker vs. de Ridder picks (Telecom Asia Sport)
- Covers.com betting analysis & odds breakdown (Covers.com)
Don’t miss the UFC Abu Dhabi showdown on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Etihad Arena (3 pm ET on ABC/ESPN+). This fight is rich with betting angles and strategic intrigue. Be sure to place your bets early and consider props if you believe in de Ridder’s grappling finish.
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