Full Breakdown
UFC Vancouver: Brendan Allen Upsets Reinier de Ridder in Main Event
10/19/2025, 6:30:59 AM
Main Event Overview: Allen vs. de Ridder
UFC Fight Night 262, held on October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, featured a pivotal middleweight clash between Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen. Originally scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez, de Ridder (21-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC) entered the bout on a five-fight winning streak, while Allen (26-7 MMA, 14-4 UFC) stepped in on short notice, looking to re-establish himself in the title conversation. The fight concluded dramatically, with Allen winning via TKO after de Ridder's corner threw in the towel following the fourth round.
Fight Breakdown
The fight began with de Ridder showcasing his grappling skills, scoring an early takedown and establishing control. He attempted multiple submissions but failed to secure a finish. Allen, however, demonstrated resilience, reversing positions and landing significant strikes as the fight progressed. By the fourth round, it was evident that de Ridder was fatigued, struggling to return to his corner after each round. Ultimately, his corner made the decision to stop the fight, marking a significant upset for Allen.
Key Performances and Highlights
Several fighters delivered standout performances during the event:
- Aoriqileng achieved a remarkable 21-second knockout of Cody Gibson, marking one of the fastest finishes in UFC history.
- Drew Dober secured a TKO victory over Kyle Prepolec in a highly competitive bout, despite a point deduction for an accidental low blow.
- Charles Jourdain submitted Davey Grant with a guillotine choke in the first round, showcasing his grappling prowess.
Co-Main Event: Malott vs. Holland
In the co-main event, Mike Malott defeated Kevin Holland by unanimous decision in a fight marred by controversy due to multiple accidental low blows. Despite the setbacks, Malott controlled the fight, demonstrating effective striking and grappling throughout the three rounds.
Other Notable Fights
- Aiemann Zahabi extended his winning streak to seven with a split decision victory over Marlon Vera, who is now on a three-fight losing streak.
- Manon Fiorot made a strong comeback, finishing Jasmine Jasudavicius by TKO in the first round, solidifying her status as a contender in the women’s flyweight division.
Official Statements & Responses
Brendan Allen expressed his satisfaction post-fight, stating, “This was me 3.5 weeks off the couch. I told you I'm a different monster. When my head is clear and we're on, I'm the best in the world.” He called out UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev for a potential matchup, emphasizing his readiness to compete at the highest level.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement, the event faced scrutiny regarding officiating decisions, particularly in the Malott vs. Holland fight, where referee Dan Miragliotta did not deduct a point for low blows, leading to fan discontent. Additionally, the stoppage of the main event raised questions about de Ridder's conditioning and preparation.
What's Next for the Fighters?
Following his victory, Allen is positioned to challenge for a title shot, while de Ridder will need to reassess his strategy moving forward. Malott's win places him in contention for a higher-ranked opponent, and Zahabi's victory could lead to a matchup with former champion Sean O'Malley.
Conclusion
UFC Vancouver delivered an action-packed night, highlighted by upsets and impressive performances. The event not only showcased the resilience of fighters like Brendan Allen but also raised questions about the future trajectories of established contenders in the middleweight division.
