UFC Fight Night: Allen Secures Pivotal Stoppage Victory Over De Ridder, Reshaping Middleweight Title Landscape

Brendan Allen delivered a significant upset at UFC Fight Night Vancouver on Saturday, defeating the highly-ranked Reinier de Ridder via TKO after the Dutch fighter opted to cease competition on his stool between the fourth and fifth rounds. The victory, coming against a fighter widely considered a top contender, immediately impacts the trajectory of the UFC middleweight division, potentially altering the immediate title picture and propelling Allen into a more prominent role among the elite.

De Ridder, entering the contest as the No. 4 ranked middleweight and an undefeated prospect in the UFC with a 4-0 promotional record, was widely believed to be on the cusp of a title shot against reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev, contingent on a dominant performance. Instead, Allen, who stepped in as a short-notice replacement just four weeks prior to the event, played the role of spoiler, disrupting De Ridder’s championship aspirations and signaling his own arrival as a legitimate threat.

The bout itself was a competitive affair, characterized by a clash of two skilled grapplers who were not afraid to engage in striking exchanges. Both Allen and De Ridder demonstrated proficiency in grappling, seeking to establish dominant positions and pursue submissions. However, a crucial distinction emerged in their execution and effectiveness. While De Ridder often prioritized control and initiated submission attempts from top positions, these efforts frequently did not translate into significant damage or advanced threats. Conversely, when Allen secured top control, he consistently capitalized on these opportunities to bludgeon De Ridder with a series of hard, impactful strikes, accumulating damage throughout the rounds.

A discernible factor in the fight’s progression was the issue of fatigue. De Ridder had initially been preparing for a bout against Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, a fighter renowned for his relentless cardio and high-paced approach. This specific preparation may have influenced De Ridder’s conditioning for a different style of opponent. Despite Allen taking the fight on relatively short notice, it was De Ridder who visibly struggled with his stamina as the fight wore on, slowing down noticeably quicker than his opponent. He performed strongly in the opening round, showcasing his grappling prowess and control. However, Allen progressively asserted more dominance in subsequent rounds, leveraging his striking from superior positions to wear down the former two-division ONE Championship titleholder.

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The physical toll on De Ridder became increasingly apparent towards the latter stages of the fight. Following the conclusion of the third round, he slowly made his way back to his corner, exhibiting clear signs of exhaustion. The situation escalated after the fourth round. As De Ridder once again struggled to rise from the canvas and return to his corner, referee Jason Herzog issued a stern warning, indicating that he would stop the fight if De Ridder failed to comply immediately. Upon reaching his corner, De Ridder’s coaching staff engaged him in a critical conversation, directly inquiring about his ability to continue. In a moment of frank assessment, De Ridder shook his head, signaling his inability or unwillingness to proceed further. The official verdict was a TKO victory for Brendan Allen at the 5:00 mark of Round 4, reflecting the decision of De Ridder and his corner to cease the contest.

In the immediate aftermath of his career-defining victory, Brendan Allen wasted no time in articulating his next desired challenge. During his post-fight interview, Allen explicitly called out former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Du Plessis, currently ranked No. 2 in the division, represents a significant target for Allen as he aims to climb the divisional ladder and secure a shot at the coveted UFC middleweight title. A bout against a fighter of Du Plessis’s caliber would undoubtedly be a compelling matchup and a further test of Allen’s credentials.

The implications of this win for Brendan Allen’s standing within the middleweight division are substantial. Prior to this event, Allen held the No. 9 ranking, while De Ridder was positioned at No. 4. Defeating a higher-ranked opponent of De Ridder’s caliber is a proven pathway for upward mobility in the official UFC rankings. This victory could potentially see Allen leapfrog several fighters, including Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, who is currently ranked No. 6. This is particularly noteworthy given that Hernandez secured a victory over Allen in February, underscoring the rapid turnaround and significant progress Allen has made. The win over De Ridder, combined with his previous victory over Marvin Vettori, goes a long way in rehabilitating his standing after recent losses to Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov. Allen’s professional record now stands at 26 wins and 7 losses, marking consecutive high-profile victories against formidable opponents.

For Reinier de Ridder, the outcome represents his first professional loss in the Ultimate Fighting Championship since signing with the promotion in November. Prior to this defeat, De Ridder had maintained an impressive 4-0 record within the UFC, building on an already distinguished career that saw him capture two divisional titles in ONE Championship before making the transition. His overall professional mixed martial arts record now stands at 21 wins and 3 losses. This setback forces De Ridder to recalibrate his immediate championship aspirations and reassess his path back to title contention.

The conclusion of Saturday’s main event also provides clearer direction for the middleweight title picture. With Reinier de Ridder, previously a strong candidate, now out of the immediate running for a shot at Khamzat Chimaev, the path appears to be clear for Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov, currently ranked No. 2 in the division, is on an impressive five-fight winning streak, with his most recent performance being a decisive victory over Caio Borralho in September. His consistent performances and sustained success position him as the most qualified and compelling candidate for a middleweight title challenge against Chimaev in the near future.

Brendan Allen’s performance at UFC Fight Night Vancouver was a statement. By dismantling a top-ranked, undefeated UFC prospect in Reinier de Ridder through a decisive stoppage, Allen has not only added a significant win to his record but has also dramatically altered the landscape of the UFC middleweight division. His call-out of Dricus Du Plessis signals his ambition, and his recent trajectory suggests he is a fighter rapidly ascending towards the sport’s pinnacle. The division now faces a recalibrated set of contenders, with Allen firmly establishing himself as a key player in the race for middleweight supremacy.