Ali Akbar Rosady
Vancouver, BC – Brendan Allen delivered a significant upset at Saturday’s UFC Fight Night, securing a TKO victory over the highly-touted Reinier de Ridder after the Dutch fighter’s corner halted the bout following the fourth round. The outcome dramatically alters the immediate landscape of the UFC’s middleweight division, derailing de Ridder’s express path to a potential title shot and elevating Allen’s standing considerably.
De Ridder, who entered the Octagon with an undefeated 4-0 UFC record and a formidable reputation as a former two-division ONE Championship titleholder, was widely regarded as a prime contender on the cusp of challenging for the UFC middleweight championship. His pre-fight narrative centered on delivering an emphatic performance that would justify a high-profile matchup, potentially against a top-tier contender like Khamzat Chimaev, to solidify his claim for a shot at the reigning champion, Dricus Du Plessis. Allen, stepping in as a short-notice replacement on merely four weeks’ notice, was positioned as the spoiler, tasked with derailing the momentum of the division’s rising star.
The middleweight clash unfolded as a compelling strategic battle between two accomplished grapplers known for their assertive, in-your-face striking styles. From the outset, both fighters demonstrated their proficiency in transitions and their willingness to engage in close-quarters combat. The initial round saw de Ridder executing his game plan effectively, utilizing his strong grappling to control positions and initiate submission attempts. His approach in the opening stanza focused on establishing dominance through positional control, a hallmark of his previous victories.
However, as the fight progressed into the second and third rounds, a discernible shift in momentum began to favor Allen. While de Ridder maintained his commitment to grappling exchanges, Allen’s ability to inflict significant damage from superior positions emerged as a critical differentiator. When de Ridder secured takedowns or achieved top control, his primary objective often appeared to be maintaining position and working towards submissions, which, while threatening, rarely materialized into truly perilous situations for Allen. Conversely, when Allen managed to reverse positions or secure his own takedowns, he consistently leveraged these opportunities to unleash a barrage of hard strikes and ground-and-pound, visibly impacting de Ridder. These impactful strikes, delivered with precision and power, began to accumulate, eroding de Ridder’s defensive capabilities and energy reserves.
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A significant factor in the bout’s progression was the evident disparity in fatigue levels as the fight wore on. De Ridder had initially been preparing for a contest against Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, a fighter renowned for his relentless pace and seemingly endless cardio. This preparation likely informed a specific training regimen designed for a high-output, grueling encounter. However, despite Allen’s shorter preparation window, it was de Ridder who appeared to slow down much more rapidly. By the conclusion of the third round, de Ridder’s fatigue was palpable; he rose slowly from the canvas, a stark contrast to Allen’s comparatively fresher demeanor.
The fourth round further exacerbated de Ridder’s physical decline. Allen capitalized on his opponent’s diminishing energy, pressing the action and continuing to land significant strikes both on the feet and during grappling exchanges. As the final bell of the fourth round sounded, de Ridder struggled to make his way back to his corner, his movements labored and his exhaustion undeniable. This prompted a stern warning from veteran referee Jason Herzog, who informed de Ridder that he would stop the fight if he did not return to his corner promptly.
Upon reaching his corner, a crucial exchange occurred. De Ridder’s coaching team, observing his clear state of exhaustion and the accumulation of damage, inquired if he was capable of continuing into the fifth and final round. After a brief but telling moment, de Ridder shook his head, indicating his inability to proceed. This decision led to the official ruling of a TKO victory for Brendan Allen at the 5:00 mark of Round 4, marking a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers.
In the immediate aftermath of his career-defining victory, Brendan Allen (26-7 MMA, 14-4 UFC) wasted no time in articulating his next ambition, directly calling out former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Allen’s current two-fight winning streak, which includes a dominant decision victory over Marvin Vettori prior to this win over de Ridder, positions him as a legitimate threat within the top tier of the middleweight division. The win over the No. 4-ranked de Ridder is particularly impactful for Allen, who was ranked No. 9 heading into the bout. This victory is expected to significantly improve his standing in the official UFC middleweight rankings, potentially allowing him to leapfrog several contenders, including Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez (No. 6), despite Hernandez having previously defeated Allen in February. This upward trajectory helps to erase the memory of recent losses to both Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov, showcasing Allen’s significant evolution as a fighter.
For Reinier de Ridder (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC), this TKO loss represents his first defeat inside the UFC Octagon, abruptly halting a pristine run that had seen him secure four consecutive victories since his promotional debut in November. The setback is a significant blow to his immediate hopes for a UFC middleweight title shot, forcing him to re-evaluate his path and likely requiring a rebuild period to regain contender status. His reputation as a dominant force, forged through his successful tenure as a two-division champion in ONE Championship, remains, but the tactical errors and stamina issues exposed in this fight will need to be addressed.
The middleweight division, already one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes, now faces a reshuffled hierarchy. With de Ridder’s title aspirations temporarily derailed, the path appears clearer for Nassourdine Imavov (No. 2 contender) to challenge for the championship. Imavov, riding an impressive five-fight winning streak, further solidified his claim with a decisive victory over Caio Borralho in September. His consistent performances and dominant form now position him as arguably the most qualified candidate for a middleweight title shot, with Dricus Du Plessis currently holding the belt.
The implications for other top contenders are also considerable. Khamzat Chimaev, who has been a prominent figure in middleweight discussions, may find his path to a title shot influenced by these developments, as the line of challengers shifts. Anthony Hernandez, despite his prior win over Allen, may see his ranking progression complicated by Allen’s recent surge, highlighting the dynamic and unforgiving nature of the divisional ladder.
Brendan Allen’s upset victory underscores the unpredictable essence of mixed martial arts and its capacity to reshape narratives overnight. His performance, characterized by intelligent damage infliction and superior stamina, not only secured a significant win but also firmly established him as a formidable force within the UFC’s middleweight elite. The division now awaits the official ranking updates and subsequent fight announcements that will chart the course for these top contenders in their quest for championship gold.
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