UFC Abu Dhabi live blog: Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder

This is the UFC Abu Dhabi live blog for Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder, the main event middleweight bout Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Whittaker stands at No. 7 at 185 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, with de Ridder three spots behind at No. 10.

Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder full fight video highlights

A former middleweight champion, Whittaker (26-8) seeks to make one last run to the title. He is coming off a brutal submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev, but prior to that defeat, Whittaker had won three of his past four fights, fending off contenders Ikram Aliskerov, Paulo Costa, and Marvin Vettori. “The Reaper” remains a fan favorite, but needs a win to keep his championship hopes alive.

De Ridder (20-2) is a former two-division title holder in ONE Championship and he’s continued his winning ways in the UFC. In his first three appearances for the promotion, de Ridder has submitted veterans Kevin Holland and Gerald Meerschaert, and scored a TKO of undefeated blue-chip prospect Bo Nickal. A win over Whittaker would move de Ridder into pole position for a shot at the winner of the UFC 319 main event between Dricus du Plessis and Chimaev.