The UFC is back in Abu Dhabi, and although it’s a Fight Night event, it features an incredible main event: No. 5 Robert Whittaker vs. No. 12 Reinier de Ridder. No. 3 Petr Yan takes on No. 13 Marcus McGhee in the co-main event.
Here are my best bets for this week’s UFC Fight Night.
Reinier de Ridder Moneyline (+130)
On DraftKings Sportsbook, de Ridder is a +130 underdog, while Whittaker is a -162 favorite. De Ridder is entering this fight red hot, having gone 3-0 with three finishes in his first year in the UFC. Whittaker has struggled in the past when facing taller fighters, which favors de Ridder in this contest.
De Ridder is a former ONE Champion title holder. Although his last opponent (Bo Nickal) isn’t as tough and talented as Whittaker, his versatile skills should be able to beat anyone in this division.
Petr Yan To Win By Decision (-165)
After going 1-4 from 2021 to 2023, Yan has recently returned to his winning ways, having won two straight fights. His last victory came against Deiveson Figueiredo in November 2024. After beating two top 10 contenders, Yan is still taking on a talented fighter with Marcus McGhee, but less proven than his previous opponents.
Yan has won three straight fights by decision, and with him being a -380 favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, it is best to get him via decision at -185. Also, six of his last nine victories have come by decision.
