Reinier de Ridder vs Brendan Allen became the headline story of the weekend as American fighter Brendan Allen delivered a stunning performance, stopping Dutch star Reinier de Ridder via technical knockout (TKO) at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, Canada. The result not only shocked fans but also ended de Ridder’s impressive four-fight UFC winning streak.
The highly anticipated middleweight main event at Rogers Arena on October 18, 2025, was expected to be a technical showcase between two top contenders. However, the fight took an unexpected turn as Allen (26-7 MMA) overwhelmed de Ridder (21-3 MMA) with relentless ground control, dominant grappling, and powerful top strikes.
By the end of Round 4, de Ridder was visibly exhausted, struggling to recover between rounds. His corner eventually made the difficult call to stop the fight, declaring him unable to continue — sealing Allen’s TKO victory.
Allen’s Tactical Masterclass
From the opening bell, Brendan Allen executed a flawless game plan. Known for his versatility, Allen neutralized de Ridder’s dangerous kickboxing and clinch game by taking the fight to the mat early and often. His wrestling was crisp, and his transitions from takedowns to ground-and-pound pressure left de Ridder with few answers.
Allen’s ability to adapt on short notice — having stepped in to replace Anthony Hernandez (15-2 MMA) — was particularly impressive. “It feels good to do exactly what I said I would do,” Allen told reporters after the bout. “This was me three and a half weeks off the couch. I told you I’m a different monster. When my head is clear and we’re on, I’m the best in the world.”
His post-fight comments reflected the confidence of a fighter who believes he deserves a shot at the top. With the UFC middleweight division currently packed with contenders, Allen declared he’s ready to face champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0 MMA) next. “Come get it, baby,” he shouted, issuing a direct challenge.
De Ridder’s Struggles in the Octagon
For Reinier de Ridder, this loss marked his first defeat in nearly two years. The Dutch fighter, known for his crisp striking and elite submission grappling, appeared fatigued and frustrated throughout the fight. His trademark aggression and clinch dominance were missing, as Allen’s control on the ground stifled every attempt at recovery.
De Ridder’s corner was seen urging him to stay calm and regain energy after the third round, but the exhaustion was evident. By the end of Round 4, his breathing was labored, and his movements sluggish. His team ultimately threw in the towel before Round 5, prioritizing his safety over pushing forward in a fight that had clearly turned one-sided.
This setback is a major blow for de Ridder, who had been on a four-fight win streak and was viewed as one of the rising stars of the UFC’s middleweight division. However, his resilience and record suggest he’ll be back stronger — possibly in a rematch or a bounce-back fight later this year.
Co-Main Event and Other Highlights
The action-packed night in Vancouver didn’t stop with the main event. In the co-main bout, Mike Malott (13-2-1 MMA) faced off against Kevin Holland (28-15 MMA) in a wild welterweight showdown. A freak incident occurred early when Malott’s leg kick compromised Holland’s protective cup, nearly forcing a no-contest. Despite the chaos, both fighters regrouped and battled through five grueling rounds. Malott eventually secured a narrow decision victory with scores of 29-28, 29-28, 29-28.
In another exciting matchup, Aiemann Zahabi edged out former title challenger Marlon Vera (23-11-1 MMA) in a close bantamweight fight. Judges scored it 29-28, 28-29, 29-28 in favor of Zahabi, giving the Canadian fighter one of the biggest wins of his career.
Meanwhile, in women’s flyweight action, former title contender Manon Fiorot (13-2 MMA) delivered one of the night’s most dominant performances. Fiorot unleashed a furious combination that stopped Jasmine Jasudavicius (14-4 MMA) just 74 seconds into the opening round, proving she remains a top contender for another title run.
Allen’s Path Forward
After his win over Reinier de Ridder, Allen is expected to climb significantly in the UFC middleweight rankings. Analysts and fans alike are calling for a title eliminator or a direct championship opportunity. His victory cements him as one of the most dangerous all-rounders in the division — a fighter who can strike, grapple, and finish fights under pressure.
“Brendan Allen showed championship-level composure tonight,” said UFC commentator Daniel Cormier. “He came in on short notice, fought smart, and delivered when it mattered most. This puts him in serious contention.”
What’s Next for De Ridder?
For Reinier de Ridder, the loss is undoubtedly a setback, but not the end. As one of Europe’s most skilled fighters, he has the technical foundation to recover. Experts predict he may take several months off before returning, likely in early 2026, to re-establish his place among the top contenders.
If a rematch with Allen doesn’t happen, potential opponents could include Jack Hermansson, Marvin Vettori, or even Anthony Hernandez, the fighter Allen replaced. De Ridder’s fans, known for their strong loyalty, will be eager to see him back in action — sharper, fitter, and ready for redemption.
A Memorable Night for Canadian MMA
The Vancouver event was another success for the UFC’s Canadian fanbase. Rogers Arena was packed with over 18,000 spectators who witnessed a night of electrifying fights, breakout performances, and unexpected outcomes. For Canadian fans, the event reaffirmed the country’s growing influence in the sport, especially after local fighters like Malott and Zahabi secured impressive wins.
As for the Reinier de Ridder vs Brendan Allen main event — it served as a reminder that MMA is unpredictable, and even the most dominant fighters can fall when least expected.
Brendan Allen’s triumph will be remembered as one of the defining moments of his career, propelling him closer to UFC gold and rewriting the middleweight division’s narrative.
Source: Al Jazeera Sports
