UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen headlines on October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. The five-round middleweight main event features a high-stakes clash between former ONE double champion Reinier de Ridder and surging submission finisher Brendan Allen. With both fighters ranked inside the top 10, the winner could earn a UFC title shot.
Reinier de Ridder
Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder (21–2) has made an immediate impact since joining the UFC in 2024. A black belt in both judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, de Ridder brings a suffocating grappling style and world-class submission arsenal. Thirteen of his professional wins have come by submission, and he has finished notable names like Kevin Holland, Gerald Meerschaert, and Bo Nickal.
His recent split decision win over Robert Whittaker at UFC on ABC 9 showcased his striking improvements and composure against elite opposition. De Ridder’s game revolves around relentless pressure, takedown chains, and top control, with an ability to maintain pace and positional dominance across five rounds.
Reinier de Ridder – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win – Robert Whittaker | Decision (Split) | UFC on ABC 9 | July 26, 2025
2. Win – Bo Nickal | TKO (Knee to Body) | UFC on ESPN 67 | May 3, 2025
3. Win – Kevin Holland | Submission (RNC) | UFC 311 | Jan 18, 2025
4. Win – Gerald Meerschaert | Submission (Arm-Triangle) | UFC FN 247 | Nov 9, 2024
5. Win – Magomed Khasaev | TKO (Punches) | UAE Warriors 51 | July 27, 2024
Keys to Victory:
De Ridder must close the distance early, impose his clinch and takedown game, and keep Allen from dictating scrambles. His ability to control position and threaten submissions from dominant spots could be the deciding factor.
Brendan Allen
Brendan “All In” Allen (25–7) has evolved into one of the UFC’s most consistent finishers at 185 pounds. The American owns 14 submission victories, many by rear-naked choke, and ranks among the division’s all-time leaders in submission wins. Training out of Kill Cliff FC, Allen combines high-volume striking, sharp clinch work, and slick transitions on the mat.
After defeating Marvin Vettori at UFC 318, Allen sits firmly inside the top 10. Despite setbacks to Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov, he has shown improved cardio, durability, and fight IQ across five-round performances.
Brendan Allen – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win – Marvin Vettori | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 318 | July 19, 2025
2. Loss – Anthony Hernandez | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC FN 252 | Feb 22, 2025
3. Loss – Nassourdine Imavov | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC FN 243 | Sept 28, 2024
4. Win – Chris Curtis | Decision (Split) | UFC FN: Allen vs. Curtis | Apr 6, 2024
5. Win – Paul Craig | Submission (RNC) | UFC FN: Allen vs. Craig | Nov 18, 2023
Keys to Victory:
Allen’s best path lies in forcing scrambles, keeping a high pace, and attacking opportunistically off his back. His pressure and chaining submissions in transitions could test de Ridder’s defensive grappling and gas tank.
Fight Breakdown
This main event presents a rare stylistic matchup between two elite submission artists with championship-level experience. De Ridder holds the advantage in positional grappling and top control, while Allen thrives in chaos—reversing, scrambling, and capitalizing on mistakes.
Expect de Ridder to initiate clinch exchanges and pursue early takedowns. From there, he’ll look to pass guard and hunt for arm-triangle or rear-naked choke opportunities. Allen’s defensive guard, sweeps, and endurance could make this a grueling, back-and-forth ground battle. If the fight remains standing, Allen’s sharper boxing may give him an edge in exchanges.
Prediction
De Ridder’s technical grappling and composure in championship rounds should give him the upper hand. While Allen’s pace and submission instincts will test him, the Dutchman’s control and finishing instincts from dominant positions make the difference.
Prediction: Reinier de Ridder def. Brendan Allen via Submission (Round 4)
A victory for de Ridder would solidify his case for a middleweight title shot, while a win for Allen would mark the defining moment of his UFC career and reshape the divisional landscape.