End Of An Era

Reinier de Ridder’s gritty split-decision win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi wasn’t just another high-stakes main event. It was another signal of a slow but steady shift happening in the UFC — the changing of the guard.

Whittaker, a former UFC Middleweight Champion and one of the most technically sound fighters in the division’s history, fought hard. He landed big shots, especially a clean overhand right in Round 3 that rattled de Ridder. But in the end, the judges leaned toward de Ridder’s grinding control, suffocating grappling, and damage over five rounds. Two scorecards gave him the nod, and just like that, Whittaker took another step away from title contention.

What we’re seeing now has happened before. Every few years, the UFC reshuffles its hierarchy. Veteran champions fall, new names rise, and what once seemed like long-term dominance fades. We saw it with Georges St-Pierre giving way to the likes of Johny Hendricks and Robbie Lawler. Anderson Silva's reign ended and opened the door for Chris Weidman, who then made way for others. José Aldo ruled for years until Conor McGregor ended that in 13 seconds, kicking off a new era of featherweights. Even Amanda Nunes, once unbeatable, has retired after clearing out two divisions.

The UFC is a machine that constantly refreshes itself. Whether by time, mileage, or evolution of the sport, no fighter stays at the top forever. Around every 5 to 6 years, there’s a noticeable shift. Fighters who were once in their prime begin to slow down just enough for the next generation to close the gap. Sometimes it’s a split decision, like Whittaker vs de Ridder. Other times it’s a knockout or a dominant five-round performance. But the result is the same: a former champion slowly moves from contender to gatekeeper, while new contenders rise.

De Ridder represents that shift. A former dual champion in ONE Championship, he brings an old-school Jiu Jitsu base with a fresh, methodical approach that fits the demands of today’s UFC. His ability to pressure, clinch, and chip away at seasoned opponents without taking too much damage is becoming a blueprint. Fighters like him, or like Islam Makhachev, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Ilia Topuria, are part of this emerging class. They’re young, well-rounded, and focused, but also fight with maturity beyond their years.

Whittaker is still elite, and on any given night, he can beat most of the division. But the margins are razor thin now. As new fighters enter their prime, even former champions must evolve or step aside.

This is the nature of the UFC. It’s built on evolution. Every win or loss is part of a larger cycle. The current wave of champions and contenders will dominate for a while, but ev