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Media Man Int @mediamanint on x 1334 followers
Created: 2025-07-23 04:22:39 UTC
MMA
UFC @ufc
UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder (aka UFC on ABC 9)
July 26, 2025
Main Card:
Middleweight Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder
Bantamweight Petr Yanvs vs Marcus McGhee
Middleweight Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-André Barriault
Flyweight Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa
Light Heavyweight Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov
Prelims:
Bantamweight Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov
Welterweight Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda
Bantamweight Davey Grant vs Da'Mon Blackshear
Women's Straweight Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci
Light Heavyweight İbo Aslan vs Billy Elekana
Featherweight Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen
Heavyweight Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha
News
UFC Betting: Whittaker vs. de Ridder
Robert Whittaker: -XXX to -XXX (favorite)Implied win probability: ~59-60% A $XXX bet on Whittaker yields $XXX profit if he wins.
Reinier de Ridder: +120 to +136 (underdog)Implied win probability: ~40-45% A $XXX bet on de Ridder yields $120-$136 profit if he wins.
Line Movement: Whittaker opened as a heavier favorite at -190, with de Ridder at +165. Odds have tightened due to betting interest in de Ridder’s grappling and upset potential. Some sources note Whittaker as high as -XXX initially, but public confidence in de Ridder has narrowed the gap.
Specific Betting Options:
Fight Goes the Distance (Yes): 10/11 (1.90, ~52.6% probability) at Betway. Whittaker’s durability and de Ridder’s grappling suggest a potential decision.
De Ridder to Win in Round 1: 5/1 (6.00, ~16.7% probability) at Stake. His grappling could lead to an early submission if he secures top control.
Over XXX Rounds: Suggested due to Whittaker’s ability to avoid finishes and de Ridder’s grinding style.
Fighter Analysis:
Robert Whittaker (26-8, No. X UFC middleweight): Strengths: Elite striking, quick footwork, counterpunching, and strong takedown defense (historically competent wrestling). Known for technical precision and fight IQ.
Recent Performance: Coming off a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC XXX (October 2024), which resulted in a jaw injury. Previously won against Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliskerov in 2024.
Strategy: Likely to keep the fight standing, using movement and angles to outstrike de Ridder with jabs and kicks while avoiding clinches.
Vulnerabilities: Recent durability concerns (jaw injury) and susceptibility to grapplers, as shown in the Chimaev loss.
Reinier de Ridder (20-2, No. XX UFC middleweight): Strengths: Elite grappler with black belts in judo and BJJ, XX submission wins, and a 78-inch reach (5 inches more than Whittaker). Excels in clinch work and ground control.
Recent Performance: 3-0 in the UFC since joining in 2024, with submission wins over Gerald Meerschaert and Kevin Holland, plus a TKO upset over Bo Nickal in May 2025.
Strategy: Will aim to close distance, press Whittaker against the cage, and take the fight to the ground for submissions or ground-and-pound. His size and grappling make him a threat early.
Vulnerabilities: Striking is less polished, described as “base” and “awkward.” If he can’t secure takedowns, Whittaker’s striking could dominate.
Betting Insights:
Whittaker’s Edge: His experience, striking precision, and takedown defense make him a slight favorite. If he keeps the fight standing, he could outpoint de Ridder over five rounds. Posts on X highlight confidence in Whittaker’s striking superiority.
De Ridder’s Upset Potential: His size, reach, and grappling prowess make him a live underdog, especially after his upset over Bo Nickal. Analysts see value in his +130 odds, particularly if he replicates Chimaev’s grappling blueprint.
Key Factors: The fight’s outcome likely hinges on location. On the feet, Whittaker has a clear advantage; on the ground, de Ridder’s grappling could be decisive. Whittaker’s jaw durability post-Chimaev is a concern, as de Ridder may target it.
Recommended Bets:
Whittaker Moneyline (-145): Safer bet for those favoring Whittaker’s experience and striking. Available at BetOnline.
De Ridder +130: High-value underdog bet for those believing in his grappling and early finish potential. Available at DraftKings.
Fight Goes the Distance (Yes, 1.90): Both fighters are durable, and Whittaker’s takedown defense may force a striking battle, increasing decision likelihood. Available at Betway.
De Ridder by Submission (+500): A speculative prop bet for a high-reward outcome if de Ridder secures early control. Check Stake or similar sportsbooks.
Where to Bet:
BetOnline, DraftKings, Betway, Stake: Offer competitive odds for this fight. Check for sign-up bonuses or promotions.
For real-time odds, visit sites like FanDuel or Duelbits, as lines may shift closer to fight night.
Notes:
Odds are dynamic and may change before July XX. Check sportsbooks for updates.
Consider regional availability for betting platforms and ensure compliance with local gambling laws.
For more details on the fight card or streaming, check or ESPN+. (Grok)
News
White House To Host UFC Event In Trump Era
“All of our national park battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America XXX and I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Trump advised the enthusiastic crowd. “Does anybody watch UFC the great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight, think of this, on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there.” ... “a championship fight, full fight, like 20, XXXXXX people”
News Flashback
Jones to DC Cormier
“Sometimes you gotta know when to quit, sometimes you gotta know when to let things go. We should be constantly evolving, quitting certain things could be the best decision a person ever made.”
“It’s always entertaining watching the naysayers act like they’ve got me figured out. They forget this isn’t checkers, it’s chess. You don’t get this far in the game moving without purpose.” JJ
News Flashback
UFC News
Jack Della Maddalena’s Title Win:
Jack Della Maddalena became the new UFC welterweight champion at UFC XXX on May 10, 2025, in Montreal, defeating Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision in a thrilling five-round fight. The Australian outstruck Muhammad, landing XXX total shots, and limited Muhammad’s wrestling to just one takedown. Della Maddalena, now 8-0 in the UFC, called out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his first title defense, referencing Makhachev’s wins over fellow Australian Alexander Volkanovski. No date is set for this potential fight, but it could happen in Australia.
News Flashback
Tom Aspinall’s Ultimatum:
Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall issued an ultimatum regarding a unification fight with Jon Jones, who holds the undisputed title. Aspinall, frustrated after holding the interim belt since November 2023, warned he’ll move on if the fight isn’t booked soon. Jones responded dismissively, saying he’s “living his best life.”
News Flashback
Conor McGregor’s Return Tease:
Conor McGregor hinted at a UFC comeback, posting training footage and mentioning re-entering the UFC’s drug testing pool. His anticipated fight with Michael Chandler, initially set for UFC XXX in 2024, remains unconfirmed, but McGregor’s recent activity suggests a return is nearing.
News Flashback
UFC XXX Card Shaping Up:
UFC 318, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in New Orleans, features Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway X for the “BMF” title in Poirier’s retirement bout. A middleweight clash between Ikram Aliskerov and Brunno Ferreira was also added, promising a high-octane finish given both fighters’ XXX% finishing rates.
News Flashback
UFC News
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway at UFC 318:
Dustin Poirier will face BMF champion Max Holloway in the main event of UFC XXX on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans. Poirier has announced this will be the final fight of his UFC career, making it a highly anticipated clash for the BMF title.
Roster Cuts: The UFC recently released four fighters, including Lucas Alexander, who had a 1-3 record, and Caolan Loughran, despite Loughran’s recent win. The cuts, described as surprising, reflect the UFC’s ongoing roster trimming, with fans noting Loughran’s lackluster performances and possible ties to a planned UFC Dublin card.
Israel Adesanya Eyes Rematch: Israel Adesanya has hinted at wanting a rematch with Sean Strickland to avenge his 2023 unanimous decision loss, sparking excitement among fans. No official confirmation has been made, but Adesanya’s recent sparring and discussions with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell suggest he’s gearing up for a return.
News Flashback
Dricus Du Plessis Injury Rumors:
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is reportedly injured, potentially delaying a title fight with Khamzat Chimaev until after June 28, 2025.
Chimaev dismissed the news, but Du Plessis has teased a fight announcement soon.
Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria: Posts on X claim a lightweight title fight between champion Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria is set for UFC XXX on June 28, 2025, during International Fight Week. This remains unconfirmed by official UFC sources.
News Flashback
Laura Sanko’s BJJ Black Belt:
UFC commentator Laura Sanko earned her Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt after nearly XX years of training, celebrated by the MMA community on April 22, 2025.
Broadcast Rights Shift: The UFC’s exclusive negotiating window with ESPN expired on April 15, 2025, opening the door for platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV to bid for broadcast rights starting in 2026.
Dana White’s Advisory Role: UFC CEO Dana White joined VeChain as an official advisor to drive blockchain adoption, leveraging his influence in sports to boost the brand’s mainstream appeal.
Conor McGregor’s Return Stipulation: Conor McGregor stated he’ll only return to the UFC if his fight is held in a stadium, a condition that conflicts with Dana White’s preference for arena events due to production challenges. (Grok)
News Flashback
Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall: The Unification Bout in Limbo
Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, has been in limbo for what feels like an eternity, awaiting a unification bout with Jon Jones, the undisputed champion. While the exact duration of this wait isn't confirmed, the anticipation has led to public discourse where Aspinall has hinted at Jones possibly avoiding the fight due to fear, a claim Jones has directly addressed by dismissing such criticisms. Discussions among fans and commentators have grown, with some believing Jones might be safeguarding his legacy or eyeing more financially rewarding opportunities. Although there's speculation about Jones' fight purse demands, no concrete figures have been verified from the recent discussions. Aspinall, while respecting Jones' past achievements, feels the delay might be misleading fans. This ongoing saga has not only fuelled debates about Jones' status as one of the greatest fighters but also raised questions about the UFC's current appeal, with some fans feeling the sport's momentum is waning. Aspinall has even hinted at retirement post a potential fight with Jones, underscoring the match's importance to his career trajectory. (Grok)
News Flashback
Tom Aspinall Very Interested To Join WWE via Impaulsive (Logan Paul podcast)
“Honestly, I went (to a WWE show), and my personality is not this whole bravado thing, but I went and I actually met the guys who are involved with WWE – the wrestlers and the staff – and I was like, I like this. I like it a lot.”
“And I got in the ring, we had a little cameo for me. I didn’t actually get to wrestle because the UFC put the blockers on that a little bit. I thought maybe they’d let me throw one or two punches, but they didn’t let me.” “But I would absolutely… that’s something that I would really enjoy doing, just as a little outlet when I’ve finished fighting.” (via Impaulsive)
News Flashback
Topuria's New Era: 'La Leyenda' and Lightweight Ambitions
Ilia Topuria, celebrated for his undefeated streak in the UFC, has recently transitioned from 'El Matador' to 'La Leyenda' or 'The Legend', signaling his move to the lightweight division. This nickname change has stirred reactions among fans, with some embracing the new moniker while others find it less fitting. Amidst this, controversy has emerged as Charles Oliveira, a veteran in the UFC known for his respectful demeanour, has publicly criticized Topuria for his provocative comments. This clash of styles and attitudes has sparked debate within the MMA community, with some seeing Topuria's approach as a fresh injection of rivalry and excitement into the sport. While Topuria's new nickname and division change are confirmed, the claim of a street named in his honor in Toledo, Spain, remains unverified and thus not included in this narrative. (Grok)
News Flashback
Joe Rogan on GSP
“He was always learning,” Rogan said. “He would go with all the Greg Jackson guys [in Albuquerque, New Mexico], go to Wild Card [with Freddie Roach in Las Vegas] and train his boxing. “He realized that gymnasts are so powerful and they have such control over their body. He was like ‘well I’m going to get better control over my body,’ so he learned how to do backflips and *hit (from gymnasts).” “You know what’s really crazy about him?” Rogan said. “He still does the same thing. He’s really a martial artist. He comes to Austin all the time to train with John Danaher and Gordon Ryan. He’s here all the time. I see him every couple months, then he’ll go somewhere else to train, then he’ll go somewhere else to train. No desire to fight. He doesn’t want to fight anymore at all. He’s just a martial artist. He’s so happy and content. He’s one of the best examples of a guy who retired with millions in the bank and is living his best life. He’s a real martial artist. Why would you come here and train with Gordon Ryan? Why would you train with that *ucking animal if you’re not thinking about competing. For him it’s all about growing.” (Joe Rogan Experience)
News
Media Man: Plenty of fight news. Fun, games, dangerous business, and just a dash of politics. Much respect to all who enter the Octagon!
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