Before outpointing Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi, De Ridder earned a shocking victory over the previously unbeaten Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines. De Ridder knocked out Nickal and handed the former NCAA Division I wrestling superstar the first setback of his MMA career.

Reinier de Ridder eyes Chimaev vs Du Plessis victor after narrow win over Robert Whittaker - ‘RDR’ won a split decision against the former champion to move a step closer to a UFC middleweight title sh

Reinier de Ridder managed to squeak past former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Congrats to RDR, that was a great fight. Title shot next. I have a Long Long way to go but I will keep improving, getting better and maybe we rematch someday.

Former two-division ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder arguably may already be the most successful fighter to go from ONE to the UFC. The Dutchman has won his first three fights in the Octagon since his November debut,