Etihad Arena braced for fireworks as Whittaker faces De Ridder in UFC Fight Night

The MMA’s Octagon returns to Yas Island this October with UFC Fight Night 321, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On 25th October, the Etihad Arena will once again come alive with one of the most electrifying cards assembled in the capital.

At the top of the bill is a collision between two middleweight warriors - Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: The Reaper Meets the Dutch Knight.

Part of the larger Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, UFC 321 will deliver far more than just fights. The city transforms into a combat sports capital, featuring athlete meet-and-greets, training sessions, fan activations, and VIP experiences, all anchored around this marquee night of MMA.

Robert Whittaker squares off against Reinier de Ridder in a high-stakes middleweight clash at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi- a showdown that could reshape the title picture.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism- Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), and UFC, a partnership going strong since 2010, it reaffirms the capital’s position as a world-class destination for live sport and entertainment. With Etihad Arena hosting fans from across the region and beyond, UFC 321 promises to be a night for the history books.

Former UFC middleweight champion Whittaker returns to Abu Dhabi looking to reassert his dominance in a stacked division headed by reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis. But standing across from him will be de Ridder, the undefeated grappling phenom who’s been bulldozing his way through the ranks that are top-heavy with the likes of  Nassourdine Imavov, Sean Strickland, Khamzat Chimaev and Israel Adesanya, ranked one to four behind Du Plessis.  

made waves earlier this year with a stunning second-round finish of top-ranked contender Bo Dean Nickal. A victory over Whittaker, one of the division’s most respected veterans, could potentially rocket him into a title fight against the winner of the upcoming Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev bout.

For Whittaker, this is more than a comeback; it’s a statement. The Australian fan-favourite has headlined three previous fights in Abu Dhabi before, and with his sharp striking and tactical precision, he’s never far from a spectacular finish.

It’s not just the headline bout that promises fireworks; the Main Card is stacked with firepower as well.

Potential Fight Card

Here’s a glimpse at the hard-hitting fight card taking shape, straight from the UFC’s official announcement..

• Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico (Featherweight) – Russia’s unbeaten Evloev faces explosive American talent Pico in what could be a title eliminator. Both fighters bring pressure, speed, and the ability to end the fight in a flash.

• Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight) – Former bantamweight champion Yan seeks redemption against fast-rising knockout artist McGhee. Expect a fast-paced war.

• Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight) – “Thug Nasty” Mitchell brings his unorthodox style into a high-stakes matchup against the slick, technical Nurmagomedov.

• Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight) – Russia’s rising knockout king Magomedov takes on Canada’s iron-jawed Barriault in a fight that likely won’t need the judges.

• Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight) – Krylov’s experience and power will be tested against the surging Uzbek slugger Guskov.

Prelims Showcase Next-Gen Talent

The early prelims are are stacked with future contenders and fan favourites:

• Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci (Strawweight) – A Brazilian brawl between two of the most entertaining fighters in the women’s division.

• Asu Almabayev vs. Ramazan Temirov (Flyweight) – Two rising Central Asian stars meet in a battle of speed and technique.

• Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight) – Expect violence as these two heavy-hitters look to make a statement on the global stage.

Tickets and VIP Access

VIP Experience packages for UFC 321 are available via On Location, UFC’s Official VIP Experience Provider. Gain exclusive access with an official ticket package that can feature premium seating, VIP access to weigh-ins, all-inclusive hospitality, meet-and-greets with UFC athletes and more. For additional information, please visit UFCVIP.com to view package details.

For further information on UFC 321 and the latest updates, please visit VisitAbuDhabi.ae.