Ali Akbar Rosady
Vancouver, BC – Brendan Allen delivered a pivotal performance at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, securing a significant upset victory over the previously undefeated Reinier de Ridder. The bout concluded under unusual circumstances, with De Ridder opting not to continue after the fourth round, resulting in a technical knockout (TKO) win for Allen. This outcome not only propelled Allen further up the middleweight rankings but also dramatically altered the immediate title picture, derailing De Ridder’s aspirations for a shot at the UFC middleweight championship.
Reinier de Ridder, a formidable figure in the middleweight division, entered the Octagon with considerable momentum and high stakes. The Dutchman, a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, had maintained an unblemished professional record of 21-0 (4-0 in the UFC) since signing with the promotion. His objective was clear: an impressive showing against Allen was intended to solidify his claim for a highly anticipated title opportunity against the reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev. De Ridder’s strategic preparations had initially been tailored for Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, known for his relentless pace and exceptional cardio, before Allen stepped in as a short-notice replacement.
Brendan Allen, ranked No. 9 in the middleweight division, seized the opportunity presented by the short-notice call-up, accepting the fight with approximately four weeks’ notice. Allen’s professional record stood at 25-7 entering the contest, with recent performances including a dominant win over Marvin Vettori but also prior losses to Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov. Despite the limited preparation time and facing a higher-ranked, undefeated opponent, Allen showcased resilience and tactical prowess, ultimately turning the fight into a showcase of his capabilities.
The contest between Allen and De Ridder was anticipated as a clash between two elite grapplers, both known for their aggressive, in-your-face striking styles. The initial rounds lived up to this expectation, with both fighters engaging in a competitive exchange of ground control and stand-up striking. De Ridder exhibited his characteristic grappling acumen in Round 1, securing positions and attempting submissions. However, the critical distinction emerged in their application of ground control. While De Ridder often prioritized positional dominance and submission attempts that did not fully materialize, Allen consistently leveraged his superior positions to inflict significant damage. When Allen gained top control, he unleashed a relentless barrage of hard strikes, systematically bludgeoning De Ridder and accumulating wear and tear.
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As the fight progressed into the later rounds, fatigue became an increasingly prominent factor, particularly for De Ridder. Despite his renowned conditioning and specific training for a cardio-intensive opponent like Hernandez, De Ridder appeared to slow down at a noticeably quicker pace than Allen. Allen, conversely, managed his energy effectively, maintaining his output and progressively asserting more dominance with each passing round. His ability to maintain a high pace and continue delivering impactful strikes from advantageous positions proved crucial in shifting the momentum decisively in his favor.
The visible toll on De Ridder became starkly apparent after the conclusion of Round 3, as he slowly and deliberately rose to return to his corner, exhibiting clear signs of exhaustion. The situation escalated following Round 4, when De Ridder again struggled to get to his feet. Referee Jason Herzog, observing the fighter’s condition, issued a stern warning, indicating that he would stop the fight if De Ridder did not promptly make his way back to his corner. Upon reaching his corner, a crucial exchange occurred between De Ridder and his coaching staff. When asked if he was capable and willing to continue, De Ridder shook his head, signaling his decision to withdraw from the contest. Consequently, the fight was officially ruled a TKO victory for Brendan Allen, recorded at 5:00 of Round 4.
The aftermath of the bout saw a triumphant Brendan Allen, who, in his post-fight interview, wasted no time in calling out former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Allen’s victory over De Ridder, who held the No. 4 ranking, carries significant implications for his standing within the division. Prior to this fight, Allen was ranked No. 9. This win is expected to facilitate a substantial leapfrog in the official UFC middleweight rankings, potentially positioning him above fighters such as Anthony Hernandez (No. 6), despite Hernandez having previously defeated Allen in February. The victory not only bolsters Allen’s resume but also serves as a strong testament to his improved form following recent losses to Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov. Allen’s professional record now stands at an impressive 26-7, marking consecutive wins over top-tier opponents, including Marvin Vettori and now Reinier de Ridder. De Ridder’s professional record now stands at 21-3, marking his first defeat in the UFC.
The conclusion of this highly anticipated middleweight clash also significantly impacts the broader title picture. With Reinier de Ridder no longer in immediate contention for a title shot, the path appears clearer for Nassourdine Imavov (No. 2). Imavov, who boasts a formidable five-fight winning streak, further solidified his credentials with a decisive victory over Caio Borralho in September. His consistent performances and impressive run now position him as arguably the most qualified candidate for a middleweight title shot against Khamzat Chimaev, whose reign at the top continues to draw interest regarding his next challenger.
The middleweight division, known for its depth and competitive landscape, remains dynamic following these events. Brendan Allen’s upset win serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts and the constant evolution of its contenders. His call-out of Dricus Du Plessis signals his ambition to face the division’s elite, setting the stage for potentially exciting future matchups as the landscape continues to shift. The UFC matchmakers will now deliberate on the next steps for Allen, De Ridder, and the entire middleweight roster, with the division’s championship narrative having taken an unexpected turn in Vancouver.
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