UFC 320 Showdown: UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder is set to light up the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on July 26, 2025. This highly anticipated event marks the UFC’s return to the region for the first time since UFC 308 in October 2024. Headlined by a thrilling middleweight showdown between former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker and former ONE Championship two-division titleholder Reinier de Ridder, the card promises a mix of veteran savvy and rising talent. With prelims kicking off at 12:00 PM ET and the main card at 3:00 PM ET, fans are in for a day of explosive MMA action.
Main Event: Whittaker vs. de Ridder
A Battle of Styles
The main event pits Australia’s Robert Whittaker, known as “The Reaper,” against the Netherlands’ Reinier de Ridder, dubbed “The Dutch Knight.” Whittaker, with a record of 27-8-0, brings his razor-sharp striking and relentless pace to the Octagon. A former UFC middleweight champion and The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes welterweight winner, Whittaker’s experience and grit make him a formidable force. His -162 odds reflect confidence in his striking prowess.
De Ridder, holding a 20-2-0 record, is a grappling phenom with a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a history of dominant submissions—13 of his wins come via tap-out, including five rear-naked chokes and three arm-triangle chokes. As a former ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion, de Ridder (+136 odds) is making his mark in the UFC, aiming to leverage his ground game against Whittaker’s striking. He’s boldly predicted a finish, possibly even by strikes, signaling a shift in his approach.
Why It Matters
This five-round middleweight clash carries significant title implications. UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that the winner could earn a No. 1 contender fight, putting them one step closer to a shot at the middleweight belt. Expect a chess match where Whittaker’s speed and striking face off against de Ridder’s length and grappling pressure.
Co-Main Event and Key Fights
Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee
The co-main event features former bantamweight king Petr Yan (18-5-0) against rising star Marcus McGhee (10-1-0). Yan, favored at -350, is known for his precision and power, aiming to reassert his dominance after a mixed run. McGhee (+275) is a hungry prospect looking to upset the odds and shake up the 135-pound division. This three-round bout is a classic veteran vs. newcomer matchup.
Other Notable Main Card Fights
- Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault (Middleweight): Magomedov (15-1-0, -500) brings flair and striking against Barriault (17-9-0, +375), a durable scrapper. This fight could be a highlight-reel knockout.
- Asu Almabayev vs. Jose Ochoa (Flyweight): Almabayev (21-3-0), ranked No. 9, faces Peru’s promising Jose Ochoa (8-1-0). Almabayev’s 17-fight win streak was snapped recently, but he’s a tough test for the ascending Ochoa, who’s coming off a quick stoppage.
- Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight): Krylov (30-10-0) takes on Guskov (17-3-0) in a battle of heavy hitters. Expect fireworks in this 205-pound clash.
Preliminary Card Highlights
The prelims, airing at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN/ESPN+, feature several intriguing matchups:
- Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight): Mitchell (17-4-0, +105) faces Nurmagomedov (18-4-0, -125) in a stylistic clash of grappling and striking.
- Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight): Ribas (12-6-0) meets Ricci (11-3-0) in a rescheduled bout from UFC 318. Both fighters bring versatility and heart.
- Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal (Welterweight): Veteran Salikhov (21-5-0) takes on Leal (22-6-0), a 28-fight veteran who earned his first UFC win in March 2025.
- Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Davey Grant (Bantamweight): Blackshear (17-7-1) and Grant (16-7-0) promise a fast-paced scrap.
- Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight): Aslan (14-2-0) faces Elekana (7-2-0) in a potential slugfest.
- Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen (Featherweight): Yahya (12-5-0) battles Nguyen (9-2-0) to kick off the prelims.
- Martin Buday vs. Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida (Heavyweight): Buday (15-2-0) meets BJJ legend Almeida (5-1-0) in a heavyweight clash.
How to Watch and Stream
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder airs live on ABC and ESPN+ in the United States, with prelims starting at 12:00 PM ET and the main card at 3:00 PM ET. In the UK, TNT Sports 1 broadcasts the main card at 8:00 PM BST, with prelims on UFC Fight Pass at 5:00 PM BST. Select countries can stream via DAZN. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for those attending in Abu Dhabi.
Streaming Options
- ESPN+: Subscription required ($10.99/month or $109.99/year). Available on PC, Apple, Android, Fire TV, Roku, and more.
- TNT Sports (UK): Stream via discovery+ Premium or the TNT Sports app for £18/month (no broadband required).
- UFC Fight Pass: Offers prelims and additional content for global fans.
Why This Event Matters
This card is a must-watch for MMA fans. Whittaker vs. de Ridder is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup with title contention on the line. The undercard blends established names like Petr Yan and Nikita Krylov with rising stars like Jose Ochoa and Shara Magomedov, ensuring a mix of high stakes and fresh talent. The Etihad Arena’s electric atmosphere and Abu Dhabi’s growing status as an MMA hub add to the excitement.
Fighter Spotlight: Rising Stars
Keep an eye on Jose Ochoa, a 24-year-old flyweight who’s shown promise with a second-round stoppage in his last fight. Facing No. 9-ranked Almabayev is a massive step up, but his Chute Boxe Diego Lima training could make him a breakout star. Similarly, Carlos Leal’s recent UFC win marks him as a welterweight to watch.
Final Thoughts
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. de Ridder is more than just a main event—it’s a showcase of MMA’s depth and diversity. From Whittaker’s striking masterclass to de Ridder’s submission threat, the card is packed with compelling narratives. Tune in on July 26, 2025, to witness a night of fights that could shape the future of multiple divisions. Who’s your pick to steal the show?