Ali Akbar RosadyVANCOUVER – Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen are set to headline UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, British Columbia, in a middleweight clash that carries significant implications for the division’s title picture. For De Ridder, this bout represents a pivotal audition, a chance to solidify his case for a coveted shot at the UFC middleweight championship, potentially against Khamzat Chimaev. An emphatic performance at Rogers Arena is deemed paramount for the Dutch grappling specialist.
Reinier de Ridder, boasting an impressive professional record of 21 wins and 2 losses, was originally slated to face Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez. That matchup was part of what many observers have dubbed a "spiritual sweepstakes" designed to identify the next legitimate challenger for Chimaev. Nassourdine Imavov, who recently secured a notable victory over Caio Borralho last month, represents the other half of this equation. Despite the short-notice change in opponent, De Ridder expressed gratitude for Allen stepping up, while also acknowledging the critical need for a decisive finish against an opponent perhaps less heralded than Hernandez.
"It still means something beating him," De Ridder told CBS Sports regarding Allen. "He had close fights with Imavov and ‘Fluffy.’ At least he has history with top guys. I think if I’m the first guy, of the three, to finish him, that means something." De Ridder’s strategy is clear: not only secure a win but also make a statement that distinguishes his performance from those of his direct rivals in the title contention conversation. His professional record of 21-2 underscores a career marked by consistency and dominance, with his recent activity in the UFC seeing him amass a 5-0 run over the past 11 months, showcasing exceptional consistency and readiness.
The path to a UFC title shot is often far from linear, a reality De Ridder understands. Nassourdine Imavov (14-4, 1 NC), currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC’s official middleweight rankings, is expected to maintain a higher position even if De Ridder (who is not yet officially ranked in the UFC middleweight division according to the article’s context, but is presented as a strong contender) secures a victory over Allen. Imavov also holds wins over higher-ranked opponents on his resume, potentially giving him an edge. However, De Ridder aims to leverage two significant factors with another win: an exceptionally active and perfect 5-0 run within the UFC over less than a year, and a strength of schedule that positions him as a reliable and readily available challenger when opportunities arise. His activity and willingness to fight frequently could prove to be a compelling argument to the matchmakers.
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De Ridder also voiced his thoughts on Imavov’s absence from the Vancouver card, suggesting a direct confrontation could have resolved the contention sooner. "I’ve done a lot this year. Imavov has done a lot as well, of course. I say we could have figured out together here as well. He could have said, ‘Yes.’ He could have shown up," De Ridder remarked about Imavov. "I know there are a lot of reasons not to. He just fought, but if you really wanted to figure out who the next guy was, he could have been here." This comment highlights the competitive spirit and strategic jockeying inherent in the upper echelons of professional mixed martial arts.
Brendan Allen (25-7), known for his tenacious and often stubborn approach, presents a formidable challenge. While his resilience has served him well throughout his career, it has occasionally led to controversial takes, such as his claims of victory in past bouts against Imavov and Hernandez. These assertions stand in contrast to the official judges’ scorecards and the consensus among polled media members, who scored those fights against him. Despite these past outcomes, Allen approaches Saturday’s main event with unwavering confidence, seemingly unconcerned by De Ridder’s impressive record and aspirations.
"His strength is definitely weighing on guys and being durable. His jiu-jitsu isn’t bad at all," Allen conveyed to CBS Sports. "I think I’m pretty good everywhere. Especially when I’m mentally good, locked and focused, I think I’m the best in the world. I think I’ll beat him everywhere." Allen’s self-assessment underscores his belief in his comprehensive skillset and mental fortitude, positioning himself as a significant threat across all facets of MMA. His willingness to step in on short notice for a five-round main event further illustrates his confidence and readiness to compete at the highest level.
While De Ridder and Allen vie for supremacy near the top of the middleweight division, the Vancouver card also features several compelling matchups involving rising contenders and established veterans looking to advance their careers.
Canada’s next significant hope for a UFC champion, Jasmine Jasudavicius (9-3), will compete in the women’s flyweight division. The nation has not celebrated a UFC champion since Georges St-Pierre’s middleweight title win in 2017. A victory for Jasudavicius over Manon Fiorot (12-1), a fighter who recently challenged former women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, would undeniably place the Canadian near the top of the queue for a title shot.
Jasudavicius acknowledged the dual nature of the pressure she faces. "All of the above," Jasudavicius told CBS Sports when asked if the pressure is stressful or a badge of honor. "I’m super excited to be put in this opportunity and this place. To be able to do this is unbelievable. I’m truly looking forward to it. Of course, I’m nervous, but that comes with it." Her opponent, Fiorot, offered insights into Jasudavicius’s style. "She puts a lot of pressure on people," Fiorot told CBS Sports. "She goes forward every time. She loves to take people down and take the back. I punch and move, and fight with space." This stylistic clash promises an engaging encounter between a relentless grappler and a skilled striker.
Another prominent Canadian figure on the card is Aiemann Zahabi (11-2), the younger brother of Georges St-Pierre’s longtime coach, Firas Zahabi. Aiemann has meticulously rebuilt his career, accumulating six consecutive victories after a challenging start in the UFC. His most recent triumph was a controversial decision win over former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo, a result that sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts. To continue his ascent in the bantamweight division, Zahabi must overcome Marlon Vera (23-9-1). "Chito" Vera finds himself in a critical position, facing the unusual circumstance of consecutive losses for the first time in his UFC career. He hopes his one-year hiatus, dedicated to physical recovery and a significant period of introspection, will yield positive results.
Vera spoke candidly about his mindset during his failed bid for the UFC bantamweight title against Sean O’Malley. "We really didn’t like each other," Vera said. "If I have to be honest, I’m not the most respectful f—ing person. I fought with my dick. I didn’t fight smartly at all. My whole thought process was, ‘I want to kill this guy. I want to hurt him. I want to step on his throat and throw a rug on his face.’ That’s literally how I fought. That’s not good. It’s probably the only time I fought like that. I learned from it. I paid the price. The biggest opportunity of my life, I blew it." Vera’s honest self-assessment reveals a renewed focus on strategy and emotional control, suggesting a potentially reinvigorated performance in Vancouver.
The card also features a compelling welterweight bout between Mike Malott (11-1-1) and Kevin Holland (26-12, 1 NC), a bantamweight clash pitting Cody Gibson (20-9) against Aoriqileng (26-12), and a lightweight contest featuring Matt Frevola (11-5-1) against Kyle Nelson (15-5-1). These matchups promise further action and potential upsets as fighters strive to make their mark.
Below is the full fight card for Saturday’s event, along with the latest betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, followed by a detailed prediction for the main event.
UFC Fight Night Vancouver: Fight Card and Odds
| Favorite | Underdog | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|
| Reinier de Ridder -198 | Brendan Allen +164 | Middleweight |
| Mike Malott -112 | Kevin Holland -108 | Welterweight |
| Aiemann Zahabi -130 | Marlon Vera +110 | Bantamweight |
| Manon Fiorot -230 | Jasmine Jasudavicius +190 | Women’s Flyweight |
| Cody Gibson -180 | Aoriqileng +150 | Bantamweight |
| Matt Frevola -120 | Kyle Nelson +100 | Lightweight |
UFC Fight Night Viewing Information
Date: Oct. 18
Start Time: 7 p.m. ET (main card)
Location: Rogers Arena — Vancouver, Canada
TV Channel: ESPN+
Main Event Analysis and Prediction: Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen
Saturday’s headliners, Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen, share several similarities that suggest a highly competitive contest. Both fighters are recognized as submission specialists who maintain an aggressive, in-your-face style with a consistent output of strikes. Neither is widely regarded as an elite-level striker or wrestler, and both have demonstrated occasional defensive vulnerabilities in their careers. Their finishing rates are remarkably similar, with each fighter having secured five knockout victories and suffered two knockout losses. Allen holds a slight edge in submission victories with 14, compared to De Ridder’s 13.
Allen theoretically faces a disadvantage by accepting a five-round main event on short notice. However, he possesses prior main event experience and has not typically shown struggles with cardio over extended bouts. This factor, combined with their stylistic parallels, contributes to the perception that this will be a very close fight, a sentiment reflected in the tight betting odds.
De Ridder possesses a broader and more diverse array of submission techniques, coupled with a generally higher level of consistency in his performances and the benefit of a full training camp. While his chin may not be considered the sturdiest in the division, Allen is not known for possessing one-punch knockout power that would pose an immediate, critical threat in that regard. Given De Ridder’s superior preparation time, his slightly more varied submission arsenal, and his consistent performance track record, he is likely to edge out a victory in what is anticipated to be a grueling and tactical affair.
Prediction: Reinier de Ridder via Unanimous Decision
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