FridayOL

Adelaide, Australia – In a fight that will be talked about for years to come, Reinier de Ridder has emerged victorious against former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker at UFC on ABC 9. The Dutch fighter secured a hard-fought split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-47) victory in the main event, delivering a performance that left fans on the edge of their seats.

The atmosphere at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre was electric as two of the world’s best mixed martial artists clashed. Whittaker, known for his striking prowess and relentless pressure, came out aggressively, attempting to utilize his jab and footwork to control the distance. However, de Ridder, a renowned grappler, effectively defended the strikes and looked for opportunities to close the distance and implement his wrestling game.

The early rounds saw Whittaker largely dictate the pace with his striking, landing clean shots and showcasing his exceptional footwork. De Ridder, though, remained patient, absorbing the blows and searching for openings to secure takedowns. He managed to drag the fight to the ground on several occasions, showcasing his strong grappling skills, but Whittaker's defensive wrestling proved challenging to overcome completely.

As the fight progressed, de Ridder's relentless pressure began to take its toll. He managed to secure more takedowns in the later rounds, controlling Whittaker on the ground and landing some significant ground and pound. Whittaker, demonstrating his incredible conditioning, continued to fight back valiantly, showcasing his ability to scramble and escape from disadvantageous positions.

The final round was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters giving everything they had left in the tank. Whittaker landed some powerful strikes, but de Ridder’s persistent grappling kept him in the fight. The crowd was on its feet, roaring with excitement as the bell signaled the end of the bout.

The judges' decision was met with a mix of reactions. While Whittaker's striking was undeniably impressive, de Ridder's control time on the ground and overall pressure ultimately swayed the judges in his favour. The split decision victory marks another significant win for de Ridder, further solidifying his position as a top contender in the UFC Middleweight division.

“This was a tough fight, Robert is an amazing fighter,” de Ridder stated in his post-fight interview. “I knew I had to keep the pressure on and try to take him down. I'm happy with the win, but I know I have a lot of work to do.”

UFC on ABC 9: Full Results

• Reinier de Ridder def. Robert Whittaker by Split Decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-47)

The event proved to be a thrilling night of fights, showcasing the incredible talent and athleticism of the UFC roster. De Ridder’s victory over Whittaker is sure to spark debate and further fuel the conversation surrounding the Middleweight title picture.