UFC Abu Dhabi 2025 betting tips & fight predictions

The UFC returns to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 26, with a stacked Fight Night card headlined by Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. This is a classic striker versus grappler matchup between one of the UFC’s most proven middleweights and an undefeated former dual-weight MMA champ making his biggest step up to date.

The co-main event features former bantamweight champion Petr Yan taking on surging Marcus McGhee, while Shara Magomedov looks to bounce back against Marc-André Barriault. Rising flyweight Asu Almabayev faces Jose Ochoa in a clash of prospects, and light heavyweights Nikita Krylov and Bogdan Guskov collide in a guaranteed slugfest.

Here’s your full breakdown of the UFC Abu Dhabi card with our top UFC betting picks.

UFC Abu Dhabi main card preview

Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder

Robert Whittaker (26-8) remains one of the most well-rounded middleweights in UFC history, blending elite footwork, sharp boxing, and exceptional takedown defense. Despite a rough submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev last year, Whittaker rebounded with a statement win over Ikram Aliskerov and is still a threat to anyone at 185 pounds. His experience against championship-level opposition is unmatched on this card.

Reinier de Ridder (20-2) has stormed into the UFC with three straight finishes, showcasing his suffocating grappling and opportunistic submissions. The former ONE double champ is huge for the division and thrives in the clinch, where his trips and back-takes shine. However, his striking remains serviceable at best, and Whittaker’s takedown defense will be the biggest challenge he’s faced.

Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee

Petr Yan (18-5) is a former bantamweight champion whose technical boxing and well-timed wrestling make him one of the most complete fighters in the division. He’s riding a two-fight win streak after besting Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo and looks rejuvenated after a string of controversial decision losses.

Marcus McGhee (10-1) brings high output and finishing instincts, with four UFC wins and three post-fight bonuses already under his belt. However, this is a massive step up in competition, and Yan’s combination of experience, durability, and pressure should expose McGhee’s defensive gaps.

Shara Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault

Shara Magomedov (15-1) is a dazzling striker with highlight-reel spinning attacks and a Muay Thai-heavy arsenal. His lone career loss came against Michael Page, but Magomedov remains one of the most dangerous offensive threats at middleweight and the heaviest favorite on the card with the top online sportsbooks.

Marc-André Barriault (17-9) is a durable brawler who thrives in high-paced exchanges and won’t hesitate to press forward. His knockout of Bruno Silva showed his power, but against Magomedov’s precision, that aggression could lead to disaster.

Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa

Asu Almabayev (21-3) is a wrestling-heavy flyweight who controls fights with relentless takedowns and positional dominance. He’s coming off a tough loss to Manel Kape but remains a serious prospect at 125 pounds.

Jose Ochoa (8-1) is a dynamic striker with knockout power and creative combinations. He looked excellent in his recent win over Cody Durden and will have opportunities to punish Almabayev if he can defend the takedowns.

Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov

Nikita Krylov (30-10) is a seasoned finisher with dangerous submissions and underrated striking. However, his recent knockout loss to Dominick Reyes raised questions about his durability, and inactivity has stalled his momentum.

Bogdan Guskov (17-3) is a power puncher on a three-fight win streak, with all victories coming via finish. He thrives in wild brawls and will likely test Krylov’s chin early and often in this matchup.

UFC Abu Dhabi prelim picks

Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov

Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal

Davey Grant vs Da’Mon Blackshear

Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci

Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana

Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen

Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha

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