Reinier de Ridder has 13 submissions in 20 professional wins, including a pair of taps in just three fights inside the Octagon. That’s why former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, will be looking to avoid the ground game when he tangles with “The Dutch Knight” atop this weekend’s UFC Abu Dhabi lineup.
A middleweight title shot could be on the line for both combatants.
“He’s very good at taking the fight where you’re uncomfortable,” Whittaker told MMA Junkie. “He’s got a particular set of skills
and a particular game plan that, if he executes well, he gives you a lot of problems.”
“Bo [Nickal] found that out the hard way,” Whittaker continued. “I’m looking to be first and take the game where I’m strong. I love being aggressive. I’m a striker by heart, so I want to try and get my mitts on him.”
De Ridder’s two career losses have both come by way of knockout.
Whittaker (26-8) is looking to rebound from his first-round submission loss to middleweight title challenger Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 back in October. As for De Ridder (20-2), also 34, he improved to 3-0 under the UFC banner by stopping wrestling phenom Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines earlier this year in Iowa.
For the rest of the UFC Abu Dhabi fight card and ABC lineup click here.
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