UFC Abu Dhabi Picks for Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder and Other Fights on July 26

UFC Abu Dhabi is set for July 26, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable cards of the year. From former champs looking to stay relevant to rising stars hunting for a signature win, there’s a bit of everything.

The main event is Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder, where we predict a surprise might happen. We can also smell an upset in Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov and a few other fights. If this has sparked your interest, just keep reading to see all of our UFC Abu Dhabi picks.

Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder: That Jaw Could be a Problem for Bobby

Whittaker (26-8) is back after getting his jaw broken by Chimaev with a face crank last October. Whether it’s that Chimaev has freakishly strong arms or he already had problems with his jaw, we don’t know.

It could actually be a bit of both. Khamzat is a strong guy and Bobby’s jaw probably suffered a lot of damage over the years. After all, this guy fought against Adesanya, du Plessis, and many other hard hitters.

The trouble is that Reinier de Ridder hits hard as well. Although he’s best known for his submission wins, RDR’s not just a grappling threat anymore. He’s a hell of a striker as well. Just ask Bo Nickal.

Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee: Yan Needs to Fight Smart

Petr Yan (17-5) finally broke out of his slump with back-to-back decision wins over Song Yadong and Deiveson Figueiredo. He’s a former champ and still one of the smartest strikers in the division.

Marcus McGhee (10-1) comes in with six straight wins and a style that’s all offense – 6.06 significant strikes per minute, 80% KO rate. But he hasn’t faced anyone with Yan’s wrestling and experience. Unless he scores a clean knockout, Yan’s volume and takedowns should carry him.

Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov

Thug Nasty is walking chaos, both in and out of the cage. After some wild statements and a submission loss to Jean Silva, Mitchell (16-2) is dropping to bantamweight for the first time.

Said Nurmagomedov (18-4) is dangerous everywhere, with five finishes in his seven UFC wins. He’s never been finished, and he’s cleaner on the feet and slicker on the mat. If Mitchell even makes weight, we don’t see this ending well for him.

UFC Abu Dhabi Picks for All Remaining Fights

• Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Marc-André Barriault – Sharabutdin Magomedov
• Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov – Nikita Krylov
• Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci – Amanda Ribas
• Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal – Carlos Leal
• Ibo Aslan vs. Billy Elekana – Ibo Aslan
• Martin Buday vs. Marcus Buchecha – Marcus Buchecha
• Mohammad Yahya vs. Steven Nguyen – Mohammad Yahya
• Davey Grant vs. Da’Mon Blackshear – Da’Mon Blackshear

Let’s start with a couple of UFC Abu Dhabi picks that are almost certain to win – Shara Magomedov, Nikita Krylov, Da’Mon Blackshear.

Magomedov might even get another KO win as Barriault is exactly the kind of fighter he likes fighting. The same goes for Krylov, although this guy might get a win by submission. Da’Mon Blackshear too, could get a win inside the distance.

Now, if you’re after UFC Abu Dhabi picks with plus-money odds, one that we have in mind is Mohammad Yahya. Priced at +270, he looks like a very good bet, especially given that he’s a local fighter, so the crowd at Etihad Arena will be on his side.