Ali Akbar Rosady
Brendan Allen secured a pivotal victory over the highly-touted Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night Vancouver last Saturday, effectively derailing de Ridder’s immediate aspirations for a shot at the UFC middleweight championship. The bout, which concluded via TKO after the fourth round when de Ridder indicated to his corner he could not continue, saw Allen, a short-notice replacement, emerge as a significant spoiler in the division’s competitive landscape. The outcome has sent ripples through the middleweight rankings, positioning Allen for a significant leap while clarifying the path for other contenders.
The highly anticipated co-main event pitted two formidable grapplers with aggressive striking styles against each other. Reinier de Ridder, entering the Octagon with an unblemished UFC record and a formidable reputation as a two-division ONE Championship titleholder, was widely expected to deliver a dominant performance to solidify his claim for a title shot against Khamzat Chimaev. However, Allen, stepping in with just four weeks’ notice, executed a strategic masterclass that exposed vulnerabilities in de Ridder’s game, particularly regarding his ability to absorb damage and manage his energy over extended rounds.
From the outset, the contest promised a clash of styles, with both athletes known for their strong grappling foundations and willingness to engage in stand-up exchanges. The initial round saw de Ridder implement his game plan effectively, securing control positions and initiating submission attempts. His approach, characteristic of his previous outings, prioritized positional dominance and a constant threat of submissions, often without fully committing to damaging strikes from the top. While de Ridder managed to dictate the pace for portions of the first round, Allen demonstrated resilience and composure, defending well and creating scrambles to mitigate the Dutchman’s offensive output.
As the fight progressed into the second and third rounds, the strategic disparity between the two became increasingly apparent. While de Ridder continued to seek control and submission opportunities, Allen consistently proved more effective in inflicting significant damage whenever he found himself in a superior position. When Allen achieved top control, he unleashed a relentless barrage of ground and pound, connecting with hard strikes that visibly impacted de Ridder. These moments of offensive clarity from Allen contrasted sharply with de Ridder’s more measured approach, where his submission attempts often failed to progress past initial stages, allowing Allen to recover and reset.
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A critical factor in the unfolding narrative of the fight was the disparate impact of fatigue on both competitors. De Ridder had initially been preparing for Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, an opponent known for his relentless cardio and high-pressure style. This preparation might have conditioned de Ridder for a different type of endurance test. Paradoxically, despite Allen taking the fight on short notice, it was de Ridder who appeared to slow down much quicker. Allen, on the other hand, maintained a consistent output and energy level, progressively asserting more dominance as the rounds accumulated. His ability to sustain pressure and deliver impactful strikes while grappling underscored his superior conditioning for this particular matchup.
By the end of the third round, de Ridder’s physical exhaustion was evident. He rose slowly from the canvas, making his way back to his corner with visible effort. The fourth round saw Allen further solidify his control, continuing to land significant strikes and dictate the pace. At the conclusion of the fourth round, de Ridder’s fatigue had reached a critical point. As he struggled to get to his feet, referee Jason Herzog intervened, issuing a stern warning that he would stop the fight if de Ridder failed to return to his corner promptly. Upon reaching his corner, a crucial exchange occurred: de Ridder’s coaches inquired about his ability to continue, to which he responded by shaking his head no. The fight was officially ruled a TKO victory for Brendan Allen, marking a decisive and impactful end to the contest.
Post-fight, a victorious Brendan Allen, buoyed by one of the most significant wins of his career, wasted no time in calling out former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. This bold challenge immediately places Allen into the upper echelon of the division, signaling his intent to compete against the very best.
The implications of this upset extend significantly to the UFC middleweight rankings. Reinier de Ridder, who entered the fight ranked No. 4, now faces a substantial setback to his title aspirations. Brendan Allen, previously ranked No. 9, is now poised for a considerable leap up the rankings. This victory could potentially see Allen leapfrog Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez (No. 6), despite Hernandez having previously defeated Allen in February. For Allen, this win, following a recent victory over Marvin Vettori, serves as powerful validation, significantly improving his standing after earlier losses to Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov. Allen now boasts a professional record of 26 wins and 7 losses, having secured consecutive victories over Marvin Vettori and Reinier de Ridder. De Ridder, whose professional record now stands at 21 wins and 3 losses, suffers his first defeat under the UFC banner after an impressive 4-0 run since joining the promotion in November. Prior to his UFC tenure, de Ridder was a dominant force in ONE Championship, holding titles in two separate weight classes, underscoring the magnitude of Allen’s victory.
The outcome of this fight also has a direct impact on the broader middleweight title picture. With de Ridder no longer a prime candidate for an immediate title shot, the path appears clearer for Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov, currently ranked No. 2, solidified his own claim with a dominant performance over Caio Borralho in September, extending his impressive winning streak to five fights. His consistent high-level performances and current momentum position him as the most qualified and compelling candidate to challenge Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight championship in the near future. The middleweight division, known for its depth and talent, now faces an intriguing period of adjustment as contenders jockey for position and new challenges emerge. Allen’s decisive victory has not only propelled his own career but has also injected fresh energy and uncertainty into the championship chase, promising an exciting series of matchups in the months to come.
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