The decision was a split set of 48-47 scorecards. The event took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The bout was exciting and competitive throughout. De Ridder's jab and step-knee were successful throughout the bout.

Reinier de Ridder picked up the biggest win of his career on Saturday when he took a hard-fought split decision over former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Fight Night from Abu Dhabi.

Reinier de Ridder just picked up the biggest win of his career as he outlasted former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, winning a razor close split decision in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi to move to 4-0 in the UFC.