Brendan Allen Upsets Reinier de Ridder, Corner Throws in Towel

UPDATE: In a stunning upset, UFC middleweight Brendan Allen defeated Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver on October 14, 2023. Allen, who stepped in on short notice, forced de Ridder’s corner to throw in the towel between the fourth and fifth rounds, marking a significant turning point in his career.

The bout started with challenges for Allen, who found himself defending against submissions in the first round. However, he quickly turned the tide, dominating the grappling exchanges and accumulating over 11 minutes of control time. By the end of the fourth round, de Ridder, who had a record of 21-3, was barely able to stand, prompting his team to intervene.

Allen’s victory snapped de Ridder’s impressive four-fight winning streak in the UFC, a run that began last November. The 26-year-old Allen, now sporting a record of 26-7, emphasized the importance of this win, stating, “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.”

The fight showcased Allen’s resilience and tactical prowess, as he landed 128 total strikes compared to de Ridder’s 51. The referee, Jason Herzog, closely monitored de Ridder’s condition between rounds, ultimately leading to the corner’s decision to stop the fight.

Immediately after his victory, Allen called out top contenders, including 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.

In the co-main event, Canadian welterweight Mike Mallott defeated Kevin Holland via decision, while Aiemann Zahabi earned a split decision victory over former title challenger Marlon Vera.

As the dust settles on this thrilling event, all eyes are now on Allen’s next moves in the UFC, with many anticipating a showdown with top-ranked opponents. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this unexpected victory will reshape the middleweight division. The MMA community is buzzing with excitement as Allen’s victory reshapes the landscape, making this a must-watch storyline moving forward.