MORNING KOMBAT WITH LUKE THOMAS AND BRIAN CAMPBELL UFC Abu Dhabi: Whittaker/de Ridder, Ilia & Arman Beef, UFC Fall Fights | Ft. Mike Bohn & Sean Zittel
Jul 25, 2025
Mike Bohn, an MMA Junkie contributor, and Sean Zittel, a boxing podcaster, join for a deep dive into the exciting UFC Abu Dhabi card. They dissect the high-stakes battle between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder, emphasizing its potential impact on the middleweight division. The tension between Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan adds to the drama, with Topuria claiming he'd rather vacate his title than fight Tsarukyan. The duo also shares insights into the latest boxing news and notable matchups on the horizon.
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Whittaker's Middleweight Crossroads
- Robert Whittaker must prove if he still competes at elite middleweight level.
- His defensive wrestling against Reinier de Ridder's grappling will be key to victory.
Ridder's Confidence Key to Win
- Reinier de Ridder relies on confidence and momentum from recent stoppages.
- If he overwhelms Whittaker with size and grappling, he can finish the fight early.
Strategic Fight Choices Matter
- Petr Yan should treat lower-ranked Marcus McGee as a test to regain title contention.
- Choose fights strategically to rebuild momentum and demonstrate dominance.