The middleweight headliner of UFC Vancouver saw Brendan Allen step in on short notice to face Reinier de Ridder after Anthony Hernandez withdrew from the card. Allen, a former LFA champion and Dana White Contender Series alumnus, hoped to make a statement against the surging Dutch fighter who had quickly become a title contender in the UFC.
De Ridder, known for his dominant grappling and two-division ONE Championship reign, entered the Octagon with high expectations, but Allen proved to be a formidable challenge from the opening bell.
Round 1
De Ridder opened with a teep to Allen’s midsection, attempting to set the pace early. Allen countered effectively, staying tight in the clinch and using underhooks to push de Ridder to the cage. RDR attempted a throw, briefly gaining mount, and began working elbows and strikes from the top position. Allen defended diligently, resisting submissions and maintaining his composure.
The round featured multiple position changes, with Allen surviving back control and maintaining defense against de Ridder’s attempts at arm-triangles and high mount. Both fighters traded moments, but Allen’s defense kept him competitive as the round closed.
Round 2
Allen came out applying pressure, while de Ridder responded with measured body kicks. A clinch against the fence allowed de Ridder to land knees to Allen’s torso and attempt takedowns, but Allen defended well. The crowd grew restless as both fighters exchanged control. Allen spent time postured on top at the end of the round, landing short strikes and keeping de Ridder contained.
Round 3
De Ridder began to show signs of fatigue, his movements slower than earlier rounds. Allen capitalized with pressure and positional dominance, forcing de Ridder into defensive postures. An attempted arm-triangle from de Ridder failed as Allen maintained control, and Allen’s top positioning allowed him to dictate exchanges.
RDR attempted rolls and submissions from the bottom, but Allen’s grappling and composure kept him in command. By the end of round three, it was clear momentum was firmly with Allen.
Round 4
Entering the fourth round, de Ridder looked exhausted. Allen immediately pressed forward, securing a takedown and controlling the Dutch contender on the ground. De Ridder attempted a few submission setups but lacked energy to mount a threat.
With Allen maintaining dominant position and continuing to land strikes, de Ridder’s corner assessed the situation and ultimately threw in the towel, stopping the fight at the five-minute mark of round four.
Result: Brendan Allen defeats Reinier de Ridder via TKO (corner stoppage) — Round 4, 5:00.
Watch the highlights below:
It’s over! Brendan Allen defeats Reinier de Ridder via TKO! 😤#UFCVancouver | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/8vs8AsCdaP
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) October 19, 2025
IT’S ALL OVER! 🤯@BrendanAllenMMA wins at the end of Round 4 for the biggest victory of his career!
[ #UFCVancouver ] pic.twitter.com/IVhVX3q2BF
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
MIDDLEWEIGHT HAS A NEW CONTENDER 👀@BrendanAllenMMA takes home the TKO tonight!
[ #UFCVancouver ] pic.twitter.com/NlfjHqL1cD
— UFC (@ufc) October 19, 2025
