What's Happening?
Brendan Allen achieved a significant victory over Reinier de Ridder during the UFC Fight Night event in Vancouver. Despite taking the fight on short notice, Allen managed to exhaust de Ridder, leading
to de Ridder's corner throwing in the towel between the fourth and fifth rounds. This victory ended de Ridder's four-fight winning streak in the UFC. Allen, who was initially not scheduled to fight de Ridder, stepped in after Anthony Hernandez withdrew due to injury. Allen's performance was marked by over 11 minutes of control time and a significant strike advantage, landing 128 total strikes compared to de Ridder's 51.
Why It's Important?
This victory is pivotal for Brendan Allen's career, as it positions him as a formidable contender in the UFC middleweight division. By defeating the No. 4-ranked de Ridder, Allen, who was ranked No. 9, has potentially improved his standing and opened up opportunities for higher-profile fights. The win also demonstrates Allen's capability to perform under pressure and adapt quickly, which could lead to more significant matchups in the future. This outcome may influence the dynamics of the middleweight division, affecting future title contention and matchups.
What's Next?
Following his victory, Brendan Allen called out UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, indicating his desire to face top-tier opponents. This sets the stage for potential high-stakes fights that could further elevate Allen's career. The UFC may consider these matchups, given Allen's recent performance and his rising popularity. Additionally, de Ridder will need to regroup and strategize his comeback to maintain his position in the division.
