MMA News
Pros react after Reinier de Ridder defeats Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi
Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025
Today’s UFC Abu Dhabi event was headlined by a key middleweight contest featuring Robert Whittaker taking on Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker (26-9 MMA) had entered the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev in his most previous Octagon appearance at UFC 308 last October. Prior to that setback, ‘The Reaper’ was coming off back-to-back wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov respectively.
UFC Abu Dhabi Results: Reinier de Ridder defeats Robert Whittaker (Highlights)
Chris Taylor - July 26, 2025
We have you covered for all of today’s UFC Abu Dhabi’s results, including the main event between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker (26-9 MMA) will enter the contest looking to rebound, this after suffering a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev in his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 308 last October. Prior to that setback, ‘The Reaper’ had scored back-to-back wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov respectively.
'It was the right time' for Dustin Poirier to retire, says renowned UFC coach
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2025
One beloved MMA head coach believes Dustin Poirier hung up his gloves exactly when he should have. Poirier stepped inside the Octagon for the final time as a competitor in the main event of UFC 318. “The Diamond” threw leather with Max Holloway, another fan favorite who he had two victories over. The third time ended up being the charm for Holloway, as he defeated Poirier via unanimous decision in enemy territory.
UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins: Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder avoid drama
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 25, 2025
The UFC Abu Dhabi weigh-ins have concluded, and fans will be pleased to know that the main event remains intact. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker will do battle with Reinier de Ridder on Saturday. It’s a key matchup in the 185-pound division, as Whittaker will fight to remain in the title picture. It’ll be a huge opportunity for de Ridder, who is the No. 13-ranked UFC middleweight.
George Jarvis fights for two generations: "Everything's for him now"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 24, 2025
George Jarvis discovered that becoming a father transformed his understanding of sacrifice in ways training never could. The British striker now carries the weight of providing for his son while honoring the man who shaped him. He challenges reigning king Regian Eersel for the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Lumpinee Stadium at Bangkok, Thailand. The 29-year-old enters with his father in his corner and his son serving as motivation.
Ben Tynan fires shots at heavyweight MMA elite: "I'm beating everyone"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 24, 2025
Ben Tynan carries himself with the swagger of a champion who has never tasted defeat. The Canadian powerhouse believes his perfect record speaks volumes about where he stands among heavyweight fighters. He clashes with former title challenger Kirill Grishenko at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Lumpinee Stadium at Bangkok, Thailand. The 31-year-old enters riding a flawless 5-0 professional streak, having finished every opponent.
Davey Grant excited for 'great challenge' against Da'Mon Blackshear at UFC Abu Dhabi: 'It should be a fantastic fight'
Cole Shelton - July 24, 2025
Davey Grant knows he will have his hands full at UFC Abu Dhabi. Grant is set to take on Da’Mon Blackshear in a fight that was booked on short notice. Grant was supposed to fight back in April, but Daniel Santos pulled out due to a weigh-in issue, and after that, Grant said he wanted to return on this card.
Petr Yan open to having 'fire fight' with Marcus McGhee to earn next title shot: 'Cement my place'
Cole Shelton - July 24, 2025
Petr Yan is hoping to secure the next bantamweight title shot at UFC Abu Dhabi. Yan is set to take on McGhee in an intriguing fight, as the American is taking a massive step-up in competition. Although Yan could have gotten a title shot, he took this fight to cement himself as the next title contender.
Daniel Cormier issues warning to Justin Gaethje regarding UFC stalemate
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
UFC commentator Daniel Cormier has warned Justin Gaethje about his title shot ultimatum and apparent feud with the promotion. As we know, Justin Gaethje isn’t particularly happy right now. He wants a shot at the UFC lightweight championship, and he seemingly isn’t going to stop until he gets it. Unfortunately, a parade of other contenders are currently waiting in line to try and claim their own opportunity to fight current champion Ilia Topuria.
Dustin Poirier's boxing coach reflects on UFC 318 defeat against Max Holloway
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
Dustin Poirier’s boxing coach has given his thoughts on what went wrong against Max Holloway in the UFC 318 main event. Last Saturday night, Dustin Poirier retired from mixed martial arts. He did so off the back of a defeat to Max Holloway in what proved to be an intense, competitive BMF title fight between the two icons. Alas, ‘The Diamond’ didn’t quite do enough to get his hand raised, and he dropped to 2-1 in his series with Holloway in the process.
Reinier de Ridder is ready to try and get Robert Whittaker tired at UFC Abu Dhabi
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
UFC star Reinier de Ridder will attempt to get Robert Whittaker tired when the pair battle in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. Since entering the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Reinier de Ridder has been on a sensational run of form. He’s unbeaten, he’s got several finishes under his belt, and he is set to face Robert Whittaker on Saturday night in arguably the biggest fight of his career. At this point, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see him fight for the belt next if he’s able to get past Whittaker.
Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan continue to clash over potential title shot
Harry Kettle - July 24, 2025
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria continues to clash with Arman Tsarukyan over him possibly receiving a title shot. As we know, Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan aren’t big fans of one another. Arman is attempting to make a push for a championship opportunity, whereas Ilia has several different guys waiting to see whether or not they’ll get the call to face him for the belt. This includes Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway and Paddy Pimblett, but as of this writing, it’s not quite clear as to who will be the lucky one.
Kirill Grishenko ready to shut down Ben Tynan: "It's a great opportunity"
BJPENN.COM Staff - July 23, 2025
Kirill Grishenko has nothing but respect for Ben Tynan, but that won’t stop him from destroying his record. The former title challenger believes his experience will prove decisive in Bangkok, Thailand. He meets the undefeated Canadian at ONE Fight Night 34: Eersel vs. Jarvis on Prime Video on Friday, August 1, inside Lumpinee Stadium. The Belarusian enters on a two-bout winning streak, and victory would see him take another step toward a shot at the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title.
Petr Yan thinks UFC Abu Dhabi win could lead to another title fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 23, 2025
Petr Yan is viewing his next fight as an audition for another UFC title opportunity. Yan, a former UFC Bantamweight Champion, will go one-on-one with Marcus McGhee at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. While some are wondering if this could be a trap fight for Yan, “No Mercy” is motivated by what he believes will be a high-stakes matchup.
Ilia Topuria scoffs at Max Holloway and Arman Tsarukyan: 'You ran away'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 23, 2025
Ilia Topuria has had enough of two top lightweight contenders. Topuria is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion after delivering a first-round knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to close out “International Fight Week.” It’s another accolade in the young career of “El Matador.” He vacated the UFC Featherweight Championship after handing Max Holloway his first knockout defeat.
Tom Aspinall shares lofty goal for UFC 321 main event against Ciryl Gane
Fernando Quiles Jr. - July 23, 2025
Tom Aspinall wants to make quite the statement for his UFC 321 headliner. UFC CEO Dana White recently announced that Aspinall will put his undisputed heavyweight gold at stake against Ciryl Gane on Oct. 25 in Abu Dhabi. This will be Aspinall’s first fight as the undisputed champion. Fans have long expected Aspinall and Gane to eventually cross paths and barring unforeseen circumstances, that day will finally come.
Pro fighters make their picks for Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder
Cole Shelton - July 23, 2025
Dustin Poirier receives amazing championship belt from his daughter after UFC 318 loss
Harry Kettle - July 23, 2025
UFC icon Dustin Poirier has received an amazing championship belt from his daughter after losing to Max Holloway at UFC 318. We all know that Dustin Poirier is one of the most beloved fighters of all time. Now, after UFC 318, he’s able to ride off into the sunset and enjoy retirement. He’ll be doing so after an iconic career, which came to an end last Saturday night when he battled Max Holloway for the BMF title. Unfortunately, ‘The Diamond’ wasn’t able to claim the strap, but he put forward an admirable effort in his final Octagon appearance.
Khabib Nurmagomedov's view on Islam Makhachev's welterweight future
Harry Kettle - July 23, 2025
UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov has given his thoughts on Islam Makhachev’s welterweight future if he’s able to win the belt. Later this year, Islam Makhachev is expected to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for the UFC welterweight championship. He will be aiming to become the latest fighter to win world titles in two weight classes in the promotion, and he’ll be doing so in what many people consider to be the toughest fight of his career – including Khabib Nurmagomedov.