Robert Whittaker is set to return to competition, a development that materialized quite rapidly.
The UFC recently revealed that Whittaker`s comeback bout will be against former ONE two-division titleholder Reinier de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi this summer. This marks Whittaker`s first fight since his severe mouth injury against Khamzat Chimaev, and the matchup is somewhat unexpected. Whittaker clarified that the fight materializing so quickly was largely due to opportune timing.
On his YouTube channel, Whittaker recounted initiating the process: “I told my manager to contact them, expressing interest in late June or early July, suggesting International Fight Week.” He added, “I had also mentioned Sean Strickland as a potential opponent, noting our similar rankings and the fact we hadn`t fought before.” The response he received was that Strickland was just resuming training, making a timeline uncertain, but Roman Dolidze was available and willing. Whittaker agreed immediately. However, just days later, the UFC proposed Reinier de Ridder for the main event in Abu Dhabi on July 28. Whittaker humorously admitted his surprise at the sudden change, questioning what happened to the previous plans: “I was like, what happened to the other one? [Laughs]. I don`t know what happened to anything.”
Despite the abrupt change, Whittaker readily accepted. De Ridder recently gained significant attention by becoming the first fighter to defeat Bo Nickal, securing a stoppage victory earlier this month. While this win didn`t immediately impact de Ridder`s official ranking, it considerably raised his profile, making the matchup an appealing one for Whittaker.
Whittaker explained his reasoning: “All I know is the date fit.” He acknowledged de Ridder isn`t currently ranked in the Top 10 but emphasized his recent win over Bo Nickal and his status as a former two-division ONE champion, calling him “a good hard fight” and a “Top 10 fighter, competitor at least.” Whittaker felt July was a suitable time and accepted instantly. He expressed satisfaction that everything aligned, noting the main event spot, the five-round format, and the visibility it brings (“I love my face on a poster, the kids love it”). He concluded by stating his eagerness “to getting work done.”
For Whittaker, the bout with de Ridder offers a chance to bounce back from his difficult loss to Chimaev and reaffirm his position as a major contender in the middleweight division. At 34, “The Reaper” recognizes his career window is limited for achieving his ultimate MMA aspirations.
He articulated his motivation: “I`m looking forward to it. I want to get back in there and I want to get back in that winning column.” Whittaker stated he doesn`t intend to fight indefinitely, having “a couple years left” and desiring a “fairytale ending.” Inspired by others like Alexander Volkanovski and Jack Della Maddalena, he aims to “work my way up to the title, win the belt, and sail off into the sunset. That`s the dream I`m pushing and fighting for right now.”
The UFC Abu Dhabi event is scheduled for July 26 at Etihad Arena.
