Reinier de Ridder is now one of the top contenders in the UFC middleweight division. The hulking "Dutch Knight" improved to 4-0 in the Octagon on Saturday, defeating former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker by decision in the main event of the UFC's latest stop in Abu Dhabi.

A middleweight clash with title implications headlines UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker and former two-division ONE Championship king Reinier de Ridder fight weeks before a 185-pound title fight at UFC 319.

In the UFC on ABC 9 main event Saturday, de Ridder (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-9 MMA, 17-7 UFC) over five rounds. The decision was a split set of 48-47 scorecards. The event took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.