UPDATE: In a stunning upset, UFC middleweight Brendan Allen defeated Reinier de Ridder by TKO after de Ridder’s corner threw in the towel between the fourth and fifth rounds at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver on October 14, 2023. This victory marks a pivotal moment in Allen’s career, halting de Ridder’s four-fight winning streak.
Allen (26-7), who stepped in on short notice following Anthony Hernandez’s injury withdrawal, promised to break de Ridder (21-3) and delivered on that promise. After a challenging start in the first round, where he faced a takedown and defended submissions, Allen dominated the later rounds. He secured over 11 minutes of control time and landed a staggering 128 total strikes compared to de Ridder’s 51, according to UFC Stats.
The fight turned grim for de Ridder as he struggled to return to his corner after the fourth round. Referee Jason Herzog closely monitored the situation, leading to the corner’s decision to stop the fight. Allen expressed his satisfaction post-fight, stating, “It feels good to do exactly what I said I would do. I told you I’m a different monster.”
Following his victory, Allen called out UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and 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, signaling his ambitions for the title.
In the co-main event, Canadian welterweight Mike Mallott (13-2-1) secured a decisive victory over Kevin Holland (28-15) by decision, while Aiemann Zahabi (14-2) climbed the bantamweight ranks with a split decision win over former title challenger Marlon Vera (23-11-1).
With this victory, Allen solidifies his position as the No. 9 ranked middleweight, while de Ridder, previously ranked No. 4, faces new challenges ahead. Fans and analysts are eagerly speculating about what this means for the future of the middleweight division.
Stay tuned for more updates on Allen’s next moves and the implications of this thrilling fight.
