What's Happening?
In a surprising turn of events at UFC Vancouver, Brendan Allen secured a victory over Reinier de Ridder in the main event held at Rogers Arena. The fight concluded with Allen forcing de Ridder to retire on the stool between the fourth and fifth rounds.
Initially, de Ridder dominated the match with his wrestling skills, but Allen turned the tide in the second round, applying effective ground-and-pound techniques. This victory marks a significant comeback for Allen, who had previously been on a two-fight losing streak before defeating Marvin Vettori in July. The win disrupts de Ridder's four-fight winning streak in the UFC, which had positioned him as a potential contender for a title shot against middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.
Why It's Important?
Brendan Allen's victory over Reinier de Ridder has significant implications for the UFC middleweight division. By defeating a top contender like de Ridder, Allen re-establishes himself as a formidable force in the division, potentially setting up future high-profile matches. This win also affects the title contention landscape, as de Ridder was on the verge of challenging for the middleweight title. Allen's call-out of both Khamzat Chimaev and former champion Dricus du Plessis indicates his ambition to climb the ranks and secure a title shot. The outcome of this fight reshapes the competitive dynamics within the division, impacting future matchups and title opportunities.
What's Next?
Following his victory, Brendan Allen is likely to pursue a fight with either Khamzat Chimaev or Dricus du Plessis, as he mentioned in his post-fight comments. This could lead to a high-stakes matchup that further defines the middleweight title picture. For Reinier de Ridder, the loss means reassessing his strategy and potentially facing other contenders to regain his standing in the division. The UFC will likely consider these developments when planning future events, as both fighters remain key figures in the middleweight category.
