UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder is set to take place on July 26, 2025, at the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, promising an action-packed night of elite middleweight competition. This highly anticipated matchup between former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and ONE Championship standout Reinier de Ridder has fans around the globe eager to catch every second of the action.
For viewers in the United States, ESPN+ remains the exclusive home for UFC Fight Night coverage, streaming the entire event from early prelims to the main card and post-fight commentary. With high-definition streaming, expert analysis, and insider content, ESPN+ delivers the full fight night experience.
However, because ESPN+ is geo-restricted to the U.S., fans living abroad will need a secure and effective solution. PureVPN is one of the best tools for unlocking access to the Whittaker vs. de Ridder live stream from anywhere in the world.
Whittaker vs. de Ridder Key Details
- Event Name: UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Venue: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Broadcasters: ESPN+, TNT Sports
Why do you need VPN to watch Whittaker vs. de Ridder UFC Fight Night in 2025
You need a VPN to watch the Whittaker vs. de Ridder live stream in 2025 because ESPN+ is only available to viewers in the United States due to regional broadcasting restrictions. If you’re living or traveling outside the US, trying to access the stream will result in a location error.
PureVPN helps bypass this limitation by connecting you to a US-based server, giving you a US IP address. This tricks ESPN+ into thinking you’re in the country, unlocking full access to the fight. With PureVPN, you can stream UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder in HD from anywhere in the world.
How to watch 2025 UFC Fight Night Whittaker vs. de Ridder on ESPN+
To watch the 2025 UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder live on ESPN+, start by visiting the official ESPN+ website and signing in with your existing account, or create one with an active subscription. Once logged in, navigate to the UFC section or search for “Whittaker vs. de Ridder” to access the event page.
If you’re located outside the United States, open PureVPN, connect to a US server, and refresh the ESPN+ site. This makes ESPN+ think you’re in the U.S., unlocking full access to stream the entire fight card live and without restrictions.
UFC Fight Night Whittaker vs. de Ridder Preview
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder takes place on July 26, 2025, at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The main event features former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker facing off against undefeated submission specialist Reinier de Ridder, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder making his UFC mark.
This fight is a classic striker versus grappler matchup, with Whittaker known for his sharp striking and pace, while de Ridder brings powerful grappling and submission skills. The bout carries significant middleweight title implications.
The event also includes notable fights such as Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico, Petr Yan vs. Marc McGhee, and Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov, adding depth to the card. The prelims begin at 12:00 PM ET with main card coverage live on ABC and streaming on ESPN+, which requires a subscription.
International viewers can access regional broadcasters or use streaming platforms depending on their location. Whittaker enters as a slight favorite, with odds reflecting a close contest expected in a fight that could shape the division’s title picture. Fans can anticipate intense action blending striking precision and ground dominance.
Whittaker vs. de Ridder Profile Stats
| Robert Whittaker | Reinier de Ridder | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 34 |
| Height | 6’0” | 6’4″ |
| Reach | 73.5 inches | 78 inches |
| Leg Reach | 43 inches | 41 inches |
| Record | 27-8 | 20-2 |
| Fighting Style | Striker | Jiu-jitsu |
| Finishing Rate | 63% | 90% |
Start date and time of UFC Abu Dhabi Whittaker vs. de Ridder
Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder takes place on Saturday, 26th July 2025, at the Etihad Arena, in Abu Dhabi. The main card will start at 3 p.m. ET. In the UK, the main card starts at 8 p.m. GMT
UFC Abu Dhabi Whittaker vs. de Ridder Fight Card
Main Card
| Fight | Weight Class |
|---|---|
| Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder | Middleweight (Main Event) |
| Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee | Bantamweight |
| Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault | Middleweight |
| Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa | Flyweight |
| Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov | Light Heavyweight |
Prelims
| Fight | Weight Class |
|---|---|
| Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov | Bantamweight |
| Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal | Welterweight |
| Davey Grant vs. Da’Mon Blackshear | Bantamweight |
| Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci | Women’s Strawweight |
| Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana | Light Heavyweight |
| Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen | Featherweight |
| Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha | Heavyweight |
UFC Abu Dhabi Whittaker vs. de Ridder Prediction
De Ridder is predicted to submit Whittaker within three rounds due to his superior grappling and jiu-jitsu. He’s shown improved striking, notably stopping Nickal with a knee to the body.
Whittaker’s past struggles against strong wrestlers like Chimaev suggest vulnerability, and de Ridder’s reach and height could help him dominate on the ground. If he times his takedowns well, he’s likely to control the fight and secure a finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can stream the full event live on ESPN+, the exclusive broadcaster for UFC Fight Night events in the United States.
ESPN+ is available on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, web browsers, Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and more.
Yes, full replays and highlights are typically available shortly after the live event ends on the ESPN+ platform.
The main card is expected to start at 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT on ESPN+, with prelims beginning at 12:00 PM ET.
Yes ESPN+ provides full replays and on-demand access, so you can watch the fight anytime after the live broadcast.
