UFC Fight Night results, highlights: Brendan Allen scores upset win after Reinier de Ridder quits on his stool

The main event was initially slated to feature Reinier de Ridder against Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, a matchup that promised a high-octane grappling affair. However, a late withdrawal by Hernandez due to injury opened the door for Brendan Allen to step in on approximately four weeks’ notice. For De Ridder, an impressive showing against a ranked opponent was deemed crucial to solidify his claim for a potential shot at top contender Khamzat Chimaev, a fight that many believed could serve as a de facto title eliminator. Instead, the resilient Allen, known for his relentless pressure and well-rounded skillset, emerged as the spoiler, capitalizing on a grueling encounter that exposed De Ridder’s vulnerabilities under sustained pressure.

Brendan Allen, fighting out of Ocoee, Florida, entered the octagon with a professional record of 25 wins and 7 losses (now 26-7). The 28-year-old "All In" has been a consistent presence in the UFC middleweight rankings since his debut in 2019, following a successful run on Dana White’s Contender Series. His fighting style is characterized by an aggressive grappling approach, complemented by increasingly sharp striking. Prior to this bout, Allen had showcased his capabilities with notable victories, including a unanimous decision win over former title challenger Marvin Vettori. However, his journey had also seen setbacks, including decision losses to Nassourdine Imavov and Anthony Hernandez, the latter occurring in February of the previous year. These losses had placed Allen at No. 9 in the official UFC middleweight rankings, making this short-notice opportunity against the No. 4 ranked De Ridder a critical juncture for his career trajectory and a chance for significant redemption against a higher-ranked opponent. Allen’s preparation on short notice, typically a disadvantage, would prove to be a testament to his professional dedication and readiness.

Reinier de Ridder, the Dutch martial artist known as "The Dutch Knight," brought an impressive 21-2 professional record into the fight (now 21-3). Before joining the UFC, De Ridder had established himself as a dominant force in ONE Championship, where he held simultaneous titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, a rare feat in major promotions. His transition to the UFC in 2020 saw him continue his winning ways, accumulating an undefeated 4-0 record within the promotion, with victories over the likes of Gerald Meerschaert and Andreas Michailidis. De Ridder’s fighting prowess is rooted in his elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, making him a formidable submission threat, combined with a strong judo background that enables effective takedowns and control. His initial preparation for Anthony Hernandez, a fighter known for his relentless pace and submission grappling, was geared towards enduring a high-cardio, scramble-heavy contest. This specific preparation, while thorough, may have inadvertently played a role in the unfolding of the main event against Allen, whose style, while also grappling-heavy, featured a more pronounced emphasis on ground-and-pound from dominant positions. The stakes for De Ridder were immense; a win here was widely considered the final hurdle before a potential blockbuster clash with Khamzat Chimaev, putting him squarely in the middleweight title conversation.

The highly anticipated main event commenced with both fighters showcasing their primary strengths in the opening round. Reinier de Ridder, as expected, looked to establish his grappling dominance early, initiating several clinches and takedown attempts. He managed to secure control positions on the mat, exhibiting his characteristic top pressure. During these exchanges, De Ridder prioritized positional control and sought out submission opportunities, typical of his high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background. However, Allen displayed robust defense, successfully thwarting any deep submission threats. While De Ridder maintained control for significant portions of the round, his attempts to inflict damage were largely mitigated by Allen’s active defense and strategic positioning. Allen, meanwhile, utilized every opportunity to land short, sharp strikes from the bottom and create scrambles to escape. The round concluded with De Ridder seemingly ahead on control time, but without having caused substantial damage.

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As the fight progressed into the second round, a discernible shift in momentum began to emerge. Brendan Allen started to find his rhythm, pushing a more aggressive pace on the feet and looking for his own opportunities to take the fight to the ground. When the grappling exchanges ensued, Allen demonstrated a crucial difference in his approach: his ability to transition from control to offense. Unlike De Ridder’s initial focus on submission attempts, Allen prioritized securing superior positions that allowed him to unleash damaging ground-and-pound. From half-guard and full-mount, Allen landed a series of heavy elbows and punches, testing De Ridder’s chin and defensive capabilities. The strikes began to accumulate, visibly affecting De Ridder, who started showing signs of fatigue earlier than anticipated. His attempts to sweep or escape became less effective, and his energy levels appeared to wane, a surprising development given his reputation for excellent cardio honed in championship rounds in ONE Championship.

Round three solidified Allen’s control over the narrative of the fight. With each passing minute, his dominance grew more pronounced. Allen continued to secure takedowns and maintain top control, relentlessly bludgeoning De Ridder with a sustained barrage of ground-and-pound. The strikes were hard and consistent, landing with increasing frequency and force. De Ridder, while incredibly tough and resilient, found himself in a defensive posture for the majority of the round, struggling to mount any significant offense or even escape the suffocating pressure from Allen. His face began to show the wear and tear of the sustained assault, and his movements became noticeably slower. As the bell sounded to end the third round, De Ridder was visibly exhausted, slowly and deliberately getting to his feet to return to his corner, a stark contrast to the energetic start of the bout.

The fourth round commenced with Allen maintaining his relentless attack. He wasted no time in closing the distance, securing another takedown, and resuming his brutal ground-and-pound. De Ridder’s gas tank appeared to be completely depleted, his defensive efforts becoming increasingly desperate and ineffective. The strikes from Allen continued to rain down, and while De Ridder displayed immense heart by absorbing the punishment, he offered little in return. Midway through the round, veteran referee Jason Herzog, recognizing De Ridder’s compromised state and the one-sided nature of the exchanges, issued a stern warning. Herzog approached De Ridder’s corner, emphasizing the need for their fighter to show more intelligent defense or risk a stoppage. Despite the warning, Allen’s pressure did not relent. As the final seconds of the fourth round ticked away, De Ridder was once again on his back, absorbing strikes. When the bell rang, he struggled profoundly to rise, taking an extended period to finally make his way back to his stool. It was at this critical juncture that his coaching staff intervened. Observing their fighter’s profound exhaustion and inability to adequately recover, they engaged in a brief but serious conversation. When asked if he was okay to continue for the fifth and final round, De Ridder shook his head, signaling his inability to proceed. The fight was officially waved off, resulting in a TKO victory for Brendan Allen due to a corner stoppage at 5:00 of Round 4.

The immediate aftermath saw a jubilant Brendan Allen celebrating a victory that had profound implications for his career. In his post-fight interview, Allen wasted no time in calling out former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Du Plessis, a prominent figure in the division, represents another high-profile opponent and a significant step towards title contention, indicating Allen’s clear aspirations for the top of the middleweight hierarchy.

This victory over Reinier de Ridder, who held the No. 4 ranking, is expected to significantly elevate Brendan Allen’s standing within the official UFC middleweight rankings. Currently ranked at No. 9, Allen is poised to leapfrog several contenders, including potentially Anthony Hernandez, who currently sits at No. 6. This is particularly significant given that Hernandez had previously defeated Allen in February of last year, adding an element of vindication to Allen’s recent surge. His consecutive wins over Marvin Vettori and now Reinier de Ridder underscore his evolution as a fighter and his readiness for elite competition, helping to erase the memory of earlier losses to Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov.

The outcome of this main event also has direct consequences for the middleweight title picture, specifically regarding the next challenger for top contender Khamzat Chimaev. With De Ridder’s title aspirations temporarily derailed, the path appears to be clearer for Nassourdine Imavov. Imavov, currently ranked No. 2, has been on an impressive five-fight winning streak, most recently securing a decisive victory over Caio Borralho in September. His consistent performances and dominant form position him as the most qualified and compelling candidate for a shot against Chimaev, or potentially for an interim title opportunity, depending on the status of the reigning champion.

For Reinier de Ridder, this marks his first professional loss within the UFC, bringing an end to his impressive 4-0 run since signing with the promotion in November 2020. While a setback, De Ridder’s esteemed background as a two-division ONE Championship titleholder ensures he remains a formidable presence in the division. He will now need to regroup and rebuild his momentum, likely facing another highly-ranked opponent to re-establish his claim for a title shot.

Brendan Allen, now holding a professional record of 26 wins and 7 losses, has cemented his status as a legitimate threat in the UFC middleweight division. His ability to step up on short notice and deliver such a dominant, gritty performance against a highly respected opponent underscores his potential. This victory not only provides a significant boost to his ranking but also injects new excitement into the middleweight landscape, setting the stage for potentially thrilling matchups in the near future for "All In." The UFC middleweight division, already brimming with talent, now sees Brendan Allen as a key player in its evolving championship narrative.