Reinier de Ridder remained undefeated in the UFC with a hard-fought split decision victory over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in a grueling five-round affair. While he did get absolutely bombed with a punch that knocked him to the ground in the third round,

Reinier de Ridder survives a brutal knockdown to win by split decision against Robert Whittaker in the main event.

Reinier de Ridder picked up the biggest win of his career on Saturday when he took a hard-fought split decision over former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Fight Night from Abu Dhabi.

UFC on ABC 9 winner Reinier de Ridder talks to MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight after his victory over Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi.

Following a knockout win over Bo Nickal, the Dutchman took on arguably the toughest test of his career against ‘The Reaper’; his first UFC champion. And he came through, just about, overcoming a massive knockdown.

On Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi, de Ridder shares a card with another former ONE fighter when Marcus Buchecha makes his octagon debut after he endured a similarly frustrating run there. While he certainly doesn't wish anybody ill will,