Robert Whittaker has delivered a press release following his UFC Abu Dhabi loss in opposition to Reinier de Ridder.
Whittaker and de Ridder shared the Octagon this previous Saturday inside Etihad Enviornment. The bout went 5 rounds and was aggressive all through. Finally, de Ridder received the nod through cut up determination, and he may be on his technique to a UFC Middleweight Championship alternative in opposition to the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.
As for Whittaker, don’t count on him to stroll away from professional MMA competitors simply but. “The Reaper” posted a video on Instagram addressing his newest defeat (h/t MMAFighting.com).
Robert Whittaker speaks out following his loss to Reinier de Ridder:
“This isn’t the tip of Robert Whittaker. That is simply one other studying curve. One other velocity bump.”
🎥 @robwhittakermma pic.twitter.com/xcJq52ez5l
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 29, 2025
“I’m disillusioned, however I’m not disheartened,” Whittaker stated. “There are quite a lot of issues I appreciated concerning the battle, however quite a lot of issues I didn’t. I’m going to take all of it, head again to the health club, sit with the staff, choose it aside, after which get again on the horse. That’s all you are able to do.
“Congratulations to de Ridder. He had a specific sport plan, he executed it properly. It received him the win. It’s what it’s typically, however yeah, I’m going to study from this expertise and transfer ahead.
“This isn’t the tip of Robert Whittaker,” Whittaker stated. “That is simply one other studying curve, one other velocity bump. I’m going to spend a while with my household, I’m going to only relaxation, recuperate a bit of bit, after which hopefully get again on an Australian card. It’s been some time, and actually, I’m eager for it. It’s been some time since I’ve fought in Australia, and I’d like to battle right here once more. It’s time.”
Robert Whittaker has now dropped two fights in a row for the primary time since he competed at welterweight. Whittaker ended up making the transfer to 185 kilos the place he grew to become a UFC champion. Whereas Whittaker’s subsequent transfer isn’t recognized, it’s clear that he plans to stay energetic.
