De Ridder, Allen Headline Pivotal Vancouver UFC Card with Middleweight Title Implications.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – The Rogers Arena in Vancouver is set to host a pivotal UFC Fight Night event this Saturday, October 18, headlined by a middleweight clash between Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen. This bout carries significant implications for the division’s upper echelon, with both fighters vying to stake their claim for a shot at the UFC middleweight championship, currently held by Khamzat Chimaev. For de Ridder, in particular, an impressive and decisive victory is paramount to solidify his case in the ongoing "spiritual sweepstakes" for the next title challenger.

Reinier de Ridder, boasting a formidable professional record of 21 wins and only 2 losses, enters this contest on a remarkable run within the UFC. His undefeated streak of five victories over the past 11 months has seen him steadily climb the middleweight rankings, establishing himself as a consistent and reliable contender. The Dutchman, renowned for his suffocating grappling and submission prowess, was originally slated to face Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez. That matchup was widely considered a direct audition, with the winner positioned strongly against Khamzat Chimaev. However, a late change saw Brendan Allen step in on short notice, a testament to Allen’s willingness to compete against top opposition.

De Ridder acknowledged the shift in opponent and the strategic importance of the fight during a recent interview with CBS Sports. "It still means something beating him," de Ridder stated, referring to Allen. "He had close fights with Imavov and ‘Fluffy.’ At least he has history with top guys. I think if I’m the first guy, of the three, to finish him, that means something." This sentiment underscores de Ridder’s objective: to not only secure a win but to do so definitively, aiming to surpass the performances of other contenders who have faced Allen. His ambition is clear: a finish would send a stronger message to the UFC matchmakers regarding his readiness for a title opportunity.

The middleweight title picture is currently fluid, with several contenders jostling for position. Nassourdine Imavov, who recently secured a notable victory over Caio Borralho last month, is another prominent figure in the race. While Imavov (currently ranked No. 2) might hold a higher official ranking and potentially more victories over higher-ranked opponents, de Ridder believes his consistent activity and willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, positions him uniquely. A win over Allen would extend his impressive 5-0 UFC streak within a condensed timeframe, demonstrating an undeniable momentum and a readiness to step up as a challenger in a pinch.

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De Ridder also took the opportunity to comment on the competitive landscape and Imavov’s absence from the Vancouver card. "I’ve done a lot this year. Imavov has done a lot as well, of course. I say we could have figured out together here as well. He could have said, ‘Yes.’ He could have shown up," de Ridder remarked. "I know there are a lot of reasons not to. He just fought, but if you really wanted to figure out who the next guy was, he could have been here." This highlights the competitive spirit and the internal jockeying for position that defines the top of the UFC’s middleweight division.

Standing across from de Ridder will be Brendan Allen, a fighter with a professional record of 25 wins and 7 losses, known for his relentless pressure and unwavering self-belief. Allen’s career has been marked by a certain stubbornness, a trait that has served him well but occasionally drawn scrutiny. He maintains that he made a strong case for victory in his prior bouts against both Nassourdine Imavov and Anthony Hernandez, despite official judges and a majority of polled media members scoring those contests against him. These assertions, while reflecting his confidence, add an interesting layer to his competitive psychology.

Allen, speaking to CBS Sports, expressed his confidence in his all-around game. "His strength is definitely weighing on guys and being durable. His jiu-jitsu isn’t bad at all," Allen said, evaluating de Ridder. "I think I’m pretty good everywhere. Especially when I’m mentally good, locked and focused, I think I’m the best in the world. I think I’ll beat him everywhere." This declaration sets the stage for a compelling stylistic clash, as Allen believes he possesses the skills to neutralize de Ridder’s grappling while also being superior in other aspects of mixed martial arts. Despite taking the fight on short notice, Allen has experience headlining events and is known for his robust cardio, which should mitigate some of the challenges typically associated with a late-notice, five-round main event.

Beyond the middleweight main event, the Vancouver card features several other compelling matchups with significant implications for their respective divisions, particularly for Canadian fighters looking to make a statement.

Jasmine Jasudavicius represents Canada’s next significant hope for a UFC champion, a title the country has not seen since Georges St-Pierre’s middleweight triumph in 2017. Jasudavicius (10-3) will face a formidable challenge in Manon Fiorot (12-2), a French striker who recently competed against women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko. A victory for Jasudavicius would catapult her into the upper echelons of the women’s flyweight division, placing her squarely in title contention.

Jasudavicius acknowledged the weight of expectation during her pre-fight media availability. "All of the above," she told CBS Sports when asked if the pressure was stressful or a badge of honor. "I’m super excited to be put in this opportunity and this place. To be able to do this is unbelievable. I’m truly looking forward to it. Of course, I’m nervous, but that comes with it." Her opponent, Fiorot, offered a concise breakdown of their anticipated stylistic clash: "She puts a lot of pressure on people. She goes forward every time. She loves to take people down and take the back. I punch and move, and fight with space." Fiorot’s recent unanimous decision loss to Shevchenko in a closely contested bout showcased her elite striking and defensive grappling, making her a stern test for Jasudavicius.

Another rising Canadian star on the card is Aiemann Zahabi (12-2), the younger brother of renowned coach Firas Zahabi, who famously guided Georges St-Pierre throughout his legendary career. Aiemann Zahabi has been on an impressive run, accumulating six consecutive victories after a challenging start to his UFC tenure. His most recent triumph was a controversial split decision over former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, a win that, while debated, significantly elevated his profile. Zahabi now faces Marlon "Chito" Vera (25-7-2), a veteran bantamweight who finds himself in an unfamiliar position, having suffered consecutive losses for the first time in his career.

Vera, known for his dynamic striking and aggressive approach, is determined to rebound. He recently took a year-long hiatus from competition, focusing on physical recovery and mental recalibration. Reflecting on his highly anticipated but ultimately unsuccessful bid for the UFC bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley, Vera offered a candid assessment. "We really didn’t like each other," Vera confessed to CBS Sports. "If I have to be honest, I’m not the most respectful f—ing person. I fought with my dick. I didn’t fight smartly at all. My whole thought process was, ‘I want to kill this guy. I want to hurt him. I want to step on his throat and throw a rug on his face.’ That’s literally how I fought. That’s not good. It’s probably the only time I fought like that. I learned from it. I paid the price. The biggest opportunity of my life, I blew it." Vera’s introspection suggests a more composed and strategic fighter may emerge in Vancouver, making his matchup with Zahabi a high-stakes affair.

The full fight card, along with the latest betting odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, is detailed below:

UFC Fight Night Vancouver Card & Odds:

Favorite	Underdog	Weight class
Reinier de Ridder -198	Brendan Allen +164	Middleweight
Mike Malott -112	Kevin Holland -108	Welterweight
Aiemann Zahabi -130	Marlon Vera +110	Bantamweight
Manon Fiorot -230	Jasmine Jasudavicius +190	Women’s flyweight
Cody Gibson -180	Aoriqileng +150	Bantamweight
Matt Frevola -120	Kyle Nelson +100	Lightweight

The betting odds reflect the competitive nature of this card. Reinier de Ridder enters as a moderate favorite against Brendan Allen, indicating that while de Ridder is favored, Allen is seen as a live underdog capable of pulling off the upset, especially given his recent performances and durability. The welterweight clash between Mike Malott and Kevin Holland is virtually a pick’em, with negligible difference in their odds, suggesting a highly unpredictable and closely matched encounter. Similarly, the bantamweight bout between Zahabi and Vera, and the lightweight contest between Frevola and Nelson, feature tight odds, forecasting competitive battles where either fighter could emerge victorious. Manon Fiorot, given her recent high-level competition, is a more substantial favorite over Jasmine Jasudavicius, reflecting her perceived edge in experience and striking pedigree.

UFC Fight Night Viewing Information:

Date: Saturday, October 18
Main Card Start Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, Canada
TV Channel: ESPN+

Main Event Prediction: Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen

The headlining bout between Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen presents a fascinating matchup between two highly skilled middleweights. Both fighters share significant similarities: they are primarily submission specialists who also maintain a high striking output, often pushing a relentless pace. While neither is considered an elite, pure striker or wrestler, their combined grappling and stand-up offensive capabilities make them dangerous opponents. Both have also shown occasional defensive lapses, which could prove critical in a high-stakes main event.

Their finishing rates are strikingly similar, underscoring their well-rounded offensive capabilities. Both de Ridder and Allen have secured five victories by knockout and suffered two losses by knockout. In terms of submissions, Allen holds a slight edge with 14 submission wins to de Ridder’s 13. This statistical parity further highlights the anticipated closeness of the fight, as reflected in the betting odds.

Brendan Allen is theoretically at a disadvantage due to taking the fight on short notice. However, he possesses significant main event experience and has consistently demonstrated excellent cardiovascular endurance, suggesting that a five-round affair on short preparation may not be as detrimental to him as it might be for other fighters. His ability to maintain a high pace throughout extended fights is a known quantity.

De Ridder, having had a full training camp to prepare, holds an advantage in preparation time. Stylistically, de Ridder boasts a slightly wider and more diverse array of submission techniques, coupled with a track record of consistent performances against varied opposition. While de Ridder’s chin has been tested in the past, Allen is not typically known for possessing one-punch knockout power that would pose an immediate, existential threat in the stand-up exchanges.

Considering de Ridder’s more extensive preparation, his slightly more varied submission arsenal, and his consistent ability to grind out wins against durable opponents, he appears to have a marginal edge. The fight is expected to be competitive, with both fighters likely to have moments of control. De Ridder’s ability to secure takedowns and apply his signature pressure on the ground for extended periods will be crucial. While Allen’s resilience and offensive grappling will challenge him, de Ridder’s overall consistency and ability to impose his will over five rounds are likely to sway the judges.

Prediction: Reinier de Ridder via Unanimous Decision