Robert Whittaker is on his first losing skid in more than 11 years after UFC Abu Dhabi, raising questions about his future.

UFC middleweight Reinier de Ridder solidified himself as a legitimate title contender in defeating Robert Whittaker by split decision at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Reinier de Ridder said he didn’t plan on his first UFC main event going five rounds and although that prediction was incorrect, he did prove he can hang with the UFC’s best, picking up a win over former champion Robert Whittaker.