UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder (also known as UFC on ABC 9) is an upcoming mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship that will take place on July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.[1]
Background
The event will mark the promotion’s 21st visit to Abu Dhabi and first since UFC 308 in October 2024.
A middleweight bout between former UFC Middleweight Champion (also The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes welterweight winner) Robert Whittaker and former ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight World Champion Reinier de Ridder is expected to headline this event.
A featherweight bout between Movsar Evloev and promotional newcomer Aaron Pico was briefly expected to take place at UFC Fight Night: Burns vs. Morales in last May, but it did not come to fruition.They are now scheduled to meet at this event in a five round co-headliner.
A women’s strawweight bout between Amanda Ribas and Tabatha Ricci is scheduled for this event. The bout was originally scheduled for UFC 318 one week before but was moved to this event for unknown reasons.
