UFC Abu Dhabi goes down this weekend with an enormous middleweight battle headlining the promotion’s return to the Etihad Area. Former interim and undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, returns to motion and appears to get again within the win column when he meets streaking contender, Reinier de Ridder. RDR options for the third time this yr, seeking to proceed his undefeated UFC run and prolong his ending streak to 5 straight.
The winner of this five-rounder will place themselves handily within the title image within the coming months.
You may take a look at our full UFC Abu Dhabi preview podcast and response to some large battle bulletins right here:
UFC Abu Dhabi – Robert Whittaker’s Keys to Victory
Whittaker’s keys to victory within the UFC Abu Dhabi primary occasion are pretty straight forwards. He has to jab heavy and infrequently. This may permit him to take care of his vary and utilizing the jab as a weapon will profit him on this one. Utilizing the jab will assist him preserve the centre of the octagon, our subsequent key to victory. Whittaker is a superb counter wrestler; nonetheless, his job is made far tougher if he will get pressed in opposition to the octagon. Staying centred, holding his ft and standing his floor are actually going to profit him right here.
Lastly, Whittaker would profit from utilizing his aspect kick to the knee. This may assist him preserve the space between himself and de Ridder in addition to being utilised as a weapon.
de Ridder’s Keys to Victory
de Ridder must stress Whittaker on this one. He must be on the entrance foot, meet Whittaker in the course of the octagon and look to push him again. Make him really feel his presence. He’s larger, longer and should look to bully Whittaker – A very powerful job.
He has to clinch early and clinch usually. Once more, use his superior top and look to punish Whittaker when the 2 males clinch up. Knees up the center to Whittaker’s mid-section will tax the fuel tank of The Reaper.
Lastly, he has to deal with sustaining his place if he will get the battle to the ground, somewhat than trying to find the submission. If de Ridder will get the battle to the bottom, Whittaker’s gameplan shall be to look to pop again to his ft as shortly as attainable. To fight this, de Ridder must be heavy on prime and be sure that he prioritises place over submission.
Who do you see profitable at within the UFC Abu Dhabi primary occasion? Tell us within the feedback!
