UFC Fight Night Predictions | Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder Best Bets, Expert Picks & Odds

Our UFC predictions find value in the betting market as former champion Robert Whittaker takes on surging contender Reinier de Ridder in a pivotal middleweight showdown at UFC Abu Dhabi today.

Whittaker enters as a slight betting favorite at the best sports betting sites, but de Ridder’s unbeaten UFC campaign and size advantage have made this a coin flip for many bettors. Our UFC best bets lean toward the value side, with a live underdog who could shake up the title picture in a big way.

We make our Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder prediction and UFC picks ahead of today's highly anticipated UFC Abu Dhabi event, including some method-of-victory insights and props. The main card begins at 3 p.m. ET from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Gabe Henderson's UFC Fight Night odds and card info highlight the latest betting lines for the MMA event.

📊 Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder UFC odds

Odds via bet365 as of Friday.

Whittaker is a narrow favorite, but de Ridder is the far more intriguing bet here. The 6’4” submission ace holds both a height and reach advantage and has finished all but one of his UFC wins inside the distance. With Whittaker coming off a punishing loss to Khamzat Chimaev, this is a dangerous spot for a bounce-back.

I’m skeptical of Whittaker’s ability to pull off a knockout as the much smaller fighter here, leaving de Ridder as the better option. Instead, if you're backing RDR, the smart play is to go after his preferred path to victory. At +300 to win by submission, the line is generous considering Whittaker’s known struggles against elite grapplers.

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🥊 UFC Fight Night predictions: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder

✅ Prediction: Reinier de Ridder to beat Robert Whittaker
📊 Best odds: +130 via DraftKings ($10 to win $13)

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This isn’t about disrespecting Whittaker. He’s a future Hall of Famer and one of the best middleweights in UFC history, but this is a tough stylistic matchup. “The Reaper” is up against a bigger, longer, younger grappler who’s in peak form.

De Ridder has the physical edge and a dangerous ground game that could pose real problems if the fight hits the mat. With Whittaker relying heavily on movement and volume striking, one mistake could be all RDR needs to close the distance and drag the fight into his world.

We’re siding with the value. Whittaker might keep it competitive early, but if de Ridder gets him down, it’s trouble. The underdog has bite.

💰 UFC Abu Dhabi predictions: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder best bet

✅ Best bet: Reinier de Ridder to win by Submission
📊 Best odds: +310 via FanDuel ($10 to win $31)

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We mentioned earlier that Whittaker has struggled in the past against elite grapplers, and de Ridder brings a very real submission threat into this fight. At 6'4" with a 78-inch reach and a BJJ game that’s finished most of his opponents, RDR thrives when he can get his hands on you and drag things to the mat.

Whittaker’s takedown defense is excellent on paper, but if RDR can close the distance and secure top control, it could spell the end within a matter of moments. Given that all signs point to de Ridder’s clearest path to victory being via submission, the +310 price tag at our best sports betting apps offers far more value than his moneyline.

🆚 Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder tale of the tape

📡 How to watch Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: UFC Fight Night

📅 Saturday, July 26
🕗 3 p.m. ET
📍 Etihad Arena (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
📺 ABC | 🛜 ESPN+

❓ Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder FAQs

Who is favored to win the UFC main event tonight?

Robert Whittaker is a -150 favorite over Reinier de Ridder (+125), but the odds have tightened as the fight approaches.

How do UFC odds work?

A -150 favorite like Whittaker requires a $150 wager to win $100. Meanwhile, de Ridder at +125 returns $125 profit on a $100 bet. Prop markets, such as method of victory, often offer higher returns.

Who will win between Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder?

De Ridder’s size, submission game, and undefeated record make him a dangerous test for Whittaker. At underdog odds, the value is on RDR to pull off the upset and keep his streak alive.

💵 Best UFC betting sites

Ready to bet on UFC Fight Night? Check out the best UFC betting sites and best sportsbook promos for this weekend's card:

• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
• Hard Rock Bet Promo Code | Read our Hard Rock Bet Review

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