Brendan Allen Upsets Reinier de Ridder, Secures Corner TKO Victory

UPDATE: In a stunning upset, UFC middleweight Brendan Allen defeated Reinier de Ridder via TKO after de Ridder’s corner threw in the towel during the fourth round at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver on October 14, 2023. Allen, who stepped in on short notice, demonstrated his determination and skill, halting de Ridder’s four-fight winning streak.

Allen, who now boasts a record of 26-7, initially faced a challenging first round where he defended against takedowns and submissions. However, he turned the fight around, dominating de Ridder with relentless grappling and striking. By the end of the fourth round, Allen had amassed over 11 minutes of control time and landed an impressive 128 total strikes compared to de Ridder’s 51, according to UFC Stats.

De Ridder, now 21-3, struggled to recover between rounds. Referee Jason Herzog closely monitored de Ridder’s condition before the corner made the tough decision to stop the fight, ensuring the fighter’s safety. “It feels good to do exactly what I said I would do,” Allen stated after the match. “This was me 3.5 weeks off the couch. I told you I’m a different monster.”

Moments 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,” Allen exclaimed. His victory has positioned him as a serious contender in the middleweight division.

The co-main event also delivered excitement as Canadian welterweight Mike Mallott claimed a decision victory over Kevin Holland, while Aiemann Zahabi secured a split decision win against former title challenger Marlon Vera.

This fight night showcased significant shifts in the UFC landscape, with fans eagerly anticipating Allen’s next move and potential matchups. Stay tuned for more developments as Allen aims to solidify his place among the elite in the division.