What's Happening?
Brendan Allen emerged victorious in the main event of UFC Vancouver, stepping in on short notice to face Reinier de Ridder. Originally, Allen was not scheduled to fight de Ridder, but he replaced Anthony
Hernandez, who withdrew from the card. Allen, a former LFA champion and Dana White Contender Series alumnus, faced de Ridder, a two-division ONE Championship titleholder known for his grappling prowess. The fight began with de Ridder attempting to set the pace with a teep kick, but Allen countered effectively, maintaining a strong defense against de Ridder's grappling attempts. As the fight progressed, Allen's pressure and positional dominance became evident, especially as de Ridder showed signs of fatigue. In the fourth round, Allen secured a takedown and maintained control, leading de Ridder's corner to throw in the towel, resulting in a TKO victory for Allen.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Brendan Allen as it marks one of the biggest wins of his career, potentially elevating his status within the UFC middleweight division. For Reinier de Ridder, the loss is a setback in his quest to establish himself as a top contender in the UFC after his success in ONE Championship. The fight highlights the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts, where short-notice replacements can lead to unexpected outcomes. Allen's win may open up opportunities for higher-profile fights and further advancement in the rankings, while de Ridder will need to reassess and strategize for future bouts to regain momentum.
What's Next?
Following this victory, Brendan Allen may be positioned for more significant matchups within the UFC middleweight division. His performance against a well-regarded opponent like de Ridder could lead to opportunities against higher-ranked fighters. For de Ridder, the focus will likely be on recovery and addressing the fatigue issues that became apparent during the fight. Both fighters will need to consider their next steps carefully, as the outcomes of their future fights will significantly impact their careers and standings within the UFC.
