Reinier de Ridder will turn his attention to a middleweight title shot next, after beating former champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.

Despite getting his hand raised, de Ridder received some criticism from a middleweight rival who he’s now responded to via social media. During the post-fight press conference at UFC Abu Dhabi, Reinier de Ridder gave a brief response after being told about Paulo Costa’s thoughts on the fight.

The latest action on offer inside the Octagon has seen some climb the UFC rankings toward contention and others fall away.

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,

Paulo Costa was quick to react to De Ridder’s UFC Abu Dhabi win over Whittaker. The charismatic Brazilian is not one to mince his words, and that was on display again as Costa claimed he would knock out De Ridder three times per round.