The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025, with an electrifying card featuring Robert Whittaker facing Reinier de Ridder in the main event, scheduled for 1:00 PM (Brasilia time) at the Etihad Arena, United Arab Emirates. The event, showcasing four Brazilian fighters, including Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci, promises to thrill MMA fans with high-level matchups. The broadcast is available on UFC Fight Pass, with prelims free on YouTube. The card highlights Whittaker’s pursuit of another victory and the rivalry between the Brazilian women in the strawweight division. This event underscores the UFC’s growing popularity in the Middle East.
The preliminary card starts at 12:00 PM (Brasilia time), setting the stage for the main card. The official weigh-in, held on Friday, July 25, featured intense face-offs, particularly between Whittaker and De Ridder. The organization confirmed all fighters made weight, ensuring the event proceeds as planned.
- Main card fights: Whittaker vs De Ridder (middleweight), Ribas vs Ricci (strawweight), Marcus Buchecha (heavyweight).
- Brazilians in action: Amanda Ribas, Tabatha Ricci, Vitor Petrino, Tallison Teixeira.
- Special schedule: Event adjusted for Abu Dhabi’s time zone, starting earlier.
Main card and Brazilian highlights
The UFC Abu Dhabi main card is headlined by Robert Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, against Reinier de Ridder, a UFC debutant with a legacy in ONE Championship. The fight promises a clash of styles, with Whittaker relying on sharp striking and De Ridder betting on grappling. Amanda Ribas, a Brazilian star, faces Tabatha Ricci in a matchup marking the return of Brazilian vs. Brazilian duels in the octagon after four years.
Additionally, Vitor Petrino and Tallison Teixeira represent Brazil in heavyweight bouts, aiming to solidify their names on the global stage. The card also features names like Marcus Buchecha, facing an opponent yet to be confirmed. The Brazilian presence reinforces the country’s relevance in global MMA.
- Robert Whittaker: Known for precise striking and resilience, seeking recovery after recent fights.
- Reinier de Ridder: Former ONE champion, relying on ground submissions.
- Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci: Brazilian strawweight duel, focusing on technique and aggression.
- Vitor Petrino: Young Brazilian heavyweight prospect, facing Austen Lane.
Where to watch live and broadcast options
Fans can watch UFC Abu Dhabi live on UFC Fight Pass, the official UFC streaming platform, broadcasting the full card, including prelims and main fights. The first six preliminary fights are available for free on the UFC’s official YouTube channel, starting at 12:00 PM (Brasilia time). Band also airs the main card, starting at 1:00 PM, with Portuguese narration and commentary.
For those watching on mobile devices, the UFC Fight Pass app, available on Google Play and App Store, offers an optimized experience, though some users report connection issues. Ensure a stable internet connection and clear the app’s cache if needed to avoid interruptions.
- UFC Fight Pass: Full streaming, including exclusive fights and MMA archives.
- YouTube: Free prelims broadcast, ideal for new fans.
- Band: Main card coverage on free-to-air TV, starting at 1:00 PM.
- Tech tip: Check your connection and update the app for better performance.
Head-to-head history and recent results
Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder have never faced each other, making this a fresh matchup in the UFC. Whittaker comes off a solid win against Ikram Aliskerov in 2024, while De Ridder, known for his dominance in ONE Championship, debuts in the UFC with an impressive submission-heavy record. In the strawweight division, Amanda Ribas defeated Mackenzie Dern in January 2025, while Tabatha Ricci looks to rebound from a recent loss.
In their last five fights, Whittaker has three wins, one loss, and one draw, showing consistency. De Ridder maintains a record of 16 wins, with only two losses, both in ONE. Among the Brazilians, Ribas has three wins in her last five fights, while Ricci has two.
- Whittaker (last 5): Wins over Aliskerov, Costa, and Gastelum; loss to Adesanya; draw with Cannonier.
- De Ridder (last 5): Four submission wins; loss to Saparbeg Safarov.
- Ribas (last 5): Three wins, including against Dern; losses to Namajunas and Rodriguez.
- Ricci (last 5): Two wins; losses to Barber and Pennington.
Venue and weather forecast in Abu Dhabi
The event takes place at the Etihad Arena, a premier sports venue in the United Arab Emirates, with a capacity of around 18,000 spectators. The arena is known for its modern facilities and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for major MMA events. The weather forecast for July 26 predicts clear skies, with temperatures around 35°C, with no chance of rain, ensuring ideal conditions for the event.
Tickets are available at the arena’s box office and online platforms, such as the UFC’s official website and authorized resellers. Prices range from AED 200 (about $55) for farther seats to AED 2,000 (about $550) for VIP areas near the octagon. High demand suggests fans purchase tickets in advance.
- Arena capacity: Approximately 18,000 seats, with VIP and general sections.
- Weather forecast: 35°C, clear skies, ideal for the event.
- Tickets: Available online, priced from $55 to $550.
- Fan tip: Arrive early to avoid lines and secure good seats.
Refereeing and technical details
The UFC Abu Dhabi refereeing will be handled by experienced officials like Herb Dean and Marc Goddard, known for their impartiality. The official weigh-in confirmed all fighters met weight limits, avoiding last-minute cuts. The organization implemented strict safety measures, including anti-doping tests and health protocols, to ensure the event’s integrity.
The preliminary card features strategic bouts, such as Vitor Petrino vs. Austen Lane, which could determine the next heavyweight contender. The Ribas vs. Ricci fight is seen as a generational clash in the strawweight division, with potential to steal the show.
- Main referees: Herb Dean and Marc Goddard, MMA officiating standards.
- Weigh-in: All fighters within limits, no incidents reported.
- Safety: Rigorous anti-doping tests and health protocols.
- Preliminary highlight: Petrino vs. Lane, with main card potential.
UFC Abu Dhabi trivia
The Abu Dhabi event reinforces the UFC’s expansion in the Middle East, with the city hosting fights since 2019. The Brazilian presence on the card reflects the country’s strength in MMA, with fighters like Ribas and Petrino representing the new generation. Whittaker aims to solidify his status as one of the greatest middleweights, while De Ridder seeks to prove he can compete on the world’s biggest MMA stage.
- Abu Dhabi history: The city has hosted UFC events annually since 2019.
- Brazilians in the UFC: Brazil is the second-largest contributor of UFC fighters, behind the U.S.
- Whittaker vs De Ridder: First UFC vs. ONE champion matchup.
- Ribas vs Ricci: First Brazilian strawweight duel since 2021.
