Reinier De Ridder looks poised to potentially upset former champion Robert Whittaker when they clash in the main event of UFC on ABC 9 this Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Despite entering as the underdog at +136 odds, De Ridder's perfect 3-0 UFC record makes him an intriguing betting option against the more established Whittaker.
Whittaker has shown inconsistency recently, going 3-3 in his last six UFC appearances. Meanwhile, De Ridder brings an impressive 20-2 overall MMA record to the Octagon, with particularly notable grappling statistics - averaging 4.74 takedowns every 15 minutes with a 38% accuracy rate.
The fight presents an interesting stylistic matchup. Whittaker typically holds the advantage in striking volume, but De Ridder's superior grappling abilities could prove decisive. The Dutch fighter also boasts a striking accuracy of 60% while absorbing just 2.21 strikes per minute.
The main card also features two other compelling matchups. In the middleweight division, Shara Magomedov faces Marc-Andre Barriault in a contest where oddsmakers expect at least 1.5 rounds to be completed. Both fighters have a tendency for longer bouts, with Barriault seeing 4 of his last 7 UFC fights surpass the 1.5-round mark, while all five of Magomedov's UFC appearances have done the same.
In the flyweight division, Asu Almabayev (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) squares off against Jose Ochoa in what bookmakers consider essentially a pick 'em fight. Almabayev's grappling credentials stand out, as he averages 4.13 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 42% accuracy rate.
Interestingly, Almabayev also maintains solid defensive statistics with a 53% striking defense and 66% takedown defense - numbers that could prove crucial against Ochoa, who brings greater striking volume but significantly less UFC experience.
Can De Ridder pull off the upset against Whittaker? We'll find out when UFC on ABC 9 takes place this Saturday from Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates.
