UPDATE: In a stunning upset at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, middleweight fighter Brendan Allen triumphed over Reinier de Ridder, forcing his opponent’s corner to throw in the towel at the end of the fourth round on October 14, 2023. This dramatic conclusion not only marks the biggest win of Allen’s career but also halts de Ridder’s impressive four-fight winning streak.
Despite stepping in on short notice—originally scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez, who withdrew due to injury—Allen (record: 26-7) made a resounding statement. He dominated the fight, showcasing superior grappling skills, and amassed over 11 minutes of control time while landing 128 total strikes compared to de Ridder’s 51, according to UFC Stats.
The fight began with Allen struggling in the first round, facing a takedown and defending against multiple submission attempts. However, he quickly turned the tables, gaining control in the second, third, and fourth rounds. By the end of the fourth, de Ridder (record: 21-3) appeared exhausted and struggled to return to his corner, prompting referee Jason Herzog to closely monitor the situation. Ultimately, de Ridder’s corner made the tough decision to stop the fight.
“It feels good to do exactly what I said I would do,” Allen stated post-fight. “This was me 3.5 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.”
Immediately following his victory, Allen called out UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, as well as former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. “Chimaev, if you want a good grappler, someone young and hungry, you got it baby,” he declared, showcasing his ambition for the title.
In other noteworthy bouts, Canadian welterweight Mike Mallott scored a significant decision win over Kevin Holland, while Aiemann Zahabi continued his ascent in the bantamweight division with a split decision victory against former title challenger Marlon Vera.
As the dust settles from this electrifying event, all eyes will be on Allen as he seeks to capitalize on this career-defining win and the potential matchups ahead. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.