Whittaker (26-9 MMA, 17-7 UFC) was lost a split decision to Reinier de Ridder (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) in Saturday's main event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. He almost finished De Ridder when he dropped him in Round 3, but the former ONE dual-champion hung tough to outlast him.

The UFC returned to what some may feel is their home away from their Las Vegas home, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for a night of

The Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder scorecard at UFC Abu Dhabi shows how the judges scored their close fight Saturday evening. de Ridder remains perfect in his UFC career when he won a split decision over former UFC champion Whittaker in the main event (47-48, 48-47, 48-47). de Ridder is now 4-0 since joining the UFC.