Taking one other thrilling journey to the Center East for a rip-roaring blended martial arts showcase on the Etihad Area, the UFC appears to shut the month of July in an enormous approach when former champion Robert Whittaker faces surging contender Reinier de Ridder within the UFC on ABC 9 fundamental occasion. Within the UFC on ABC 9 co-main occasion, bantamweight putting specialist locks horns with newly-minted ranked opponent Marcus McGhee.
UFC on ABC 9 Primary Occasion
For the higher a part of a decade, Whittaker has stood as one of many 185-lb courses’ most elite figures forward of UFC on ABC 9, having as soon as reigned because the undisputed champion of the division with one title protection. Though his strap has eluded him, “The Reaper” remains to be thought of an integral a part of the class’s higher echelon, confirmed by his previous wins over Marvin Vettori, Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov.
Arriving within the UFC final November, de Ridder has competed thrice within the Octagon, defeating standout names in Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland and scorching undefeated prospect Bo Nickal. Going up towards his most notable adversary to this point, “The Dutch Knight” could cause a big shake up within the title image ought to he topple the venerable Whittaker at UFC on ABC 9.
UFC on ABC 9 Co-Primary Occasion
Final 12 months, Yan appeared to have reinvented himself as a real drive within the 135-lb panorama, successful two bouts in a row over Music Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo, definitively ending an unlucky three-fight skid. In search of to get again on high of the mountain, “No Mercy” could make a robust case for a second crack at present bantamweight king Merab Dvalishvili with one other spectacular victory this weekend at UFC on ABC 9.
In his remaining contest of 2024, McGhee propelled himself into the rankings for the primary time in his UFC tenure with a dominant exhibiting towards Jonathan Martinez. Not content material with resting on his present standing, “The Maniac” has his eyes set on even greater prizes that reside on the high of the bantamweight ladder.
Extra Bouts On the Primary Card
Rounding out the principle card, one-eyed Russian sensation Sharabutdin Magomedov returns to motion reverse stark Canadian competitor Marc-André Barriault. Then, streaking flyweight contender Asu Almabayev goals to rebound from his newest defeat towards Jose Ochoa. Lastly, mild heavyweight bruisers Nikita Krylov and Bogdan Guskov come to blows in an exhilarating battle between European standouts.
UFC on ABC 9 Predictions and Workers Picks
MMASucka workers picks are composed of 4 of the world’s main blended martial arts organizations: the Final Preventing Championship (UFC), the Skilled Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Collection (DWCS).
UFC picks will embrace fundamental card fights starting from 4 to 6 matchups per occasion.
PFL picks from fundamental playing cards for pay-per-views and from event fights within the Common Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
ONE FC and DWCS picks will function all MMA fights from the occasion with a minimal of three matchups.
The person who picks probably the most victorious fighters by the top of 2025 could have a alternative between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or an in depth chain from Championship Chains. Workers picks in 2023 have been gained by Ben Jamieson with a file of 300-148.
Discover our UFC on ABC 9 picks and struggle odds under.
Workers information after UFC 318:
Hank Strandberg: 117-75
Drew Zuhosky: 100-92
Jeremy Model: 88-71
Frazer Krohn: 88-73
Andrew Benjamin: 22-85
*Word – not all workers decide for each occasion*
Nikita Krylov -202
Vs.
Bogdan Guskov +172
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Model: Krylov by Unanimous ChoiceHank Strandberg: Krylov by Unanimous ChoiceDrew Zuhosky: Guskov by Unanimous ChoiceFrazer Krohn: Krylov by spherical 2 submissionAndrew Benjamin: Krylov by Unanimous Choice
Workers choosing Krylov: 4
Workers choosing Guskov: 1
Asu Almabaev -120
Vs.
Jose Ochoa +100
FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Model: Almabaev by Unanimous ChoiceHank Strandberg: Almabaev by Unanimous ChoiceDrew Zuhosky: Ochoa by Unanimous ChoiceFrazer Krohn: Almabaev by unanimous determinationAndrew Benjamin: Almabaev by Unanimous Choice
Workers choosing Almabaev: 4
Workers choosing Ochoa: 1
Sharabutdin Magomedov -650
Vs.
Marc-André Barriault +475
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Model: Magomedov by Unanimous ChoiceHank Strandberg: Magomedov by Unanimous ChoiceDrew Zuhosky: Barriault by Unanimous Choice Frazer Krohn: Magomedov by Unanimous Choice Andrew Benjamin: Magomedov by Unanimous Choice
Workers choosing Magomedov: 4
Workers choosing Barriault: 1
Petr Yan -375
Vs.
Marcus McGhee +300
BANTAMWEIGHT
Jeremy Model: Yan by first spherical KnockoutHank Strandberg: Yan by Unanimous Choice Drew Zuhosky: Yan by first spherical Knockout Frazer Kron: Yan by Unanimous Choice Andrew Benjamin: Yan by Unanimous Choice
Workers choosing Yan: 5
Workers choosing McGhee: 0
Robert Whittaker -145
Vs.
Reinier de Ridder +125
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Model: Whittaker by Unanimous DecisionHank Strandberg: de Ridder by Unanimous Choice Drew Zuhosky: de Ridder by first spherical Knockout Frazer Kron: Whittaker by Unanimous Choice Andrew Benjamin: de Ridder by first spherical Submission
Workers choosing Whittaker: 2
Workers choosing de Ridder: 3
