UPDATE: In a pivotal matchup, Reinier de Ridder is set to face Brendan Allen at UFC Fight Night on October 18, 2023, in Vancouver. This fight is critical for de Ridder’s aspirations of challenging for the UFC middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev.
De Ridder (21-2) originally planned to fight Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, but with Hernandez sidelined, Allen stepped in on short notice. An impressive performance is essential for de Ridder to solidify his case for a title shot. “It still means something beating him,” De Ridder stated, acknowledging Allen’s past competitive matches against top contenders such as Nassourdine Imavov.
While de Ridder aims to enhance his standing, Allen (25-7) brings a determined spirit to the octagon. Known for his resilience, Allen believes he can overcome de Ridder’s skills, stating, “I think I’m pretty good everywhere… I think I’ll beat him everywhere.” This fight promises to deliver high stakes and thrilling action.
As the fight approaches, the middleweight division remains highly competitive. With Nassourdine Imavov’s recent victory over Caio Borralho, he currently holds a higher ranking, and even a win for de Ridder may not guarantee him the next title shot. Nevertheless, de Ridder’s potential 5-0 UFC record in just 11 months could make him a formidable challenger.
In the co-main event, Canadian fighter Jasmine Jasudavicius is poised to face Manon Fiorot. Jasudavicius has become a beacon of hope for Canadian MMA, as the nation has not seen a UFC champion since Georges St-Pierre in 2017. “I’m super excited to be put in this opportunity,” Jasudavicius shared, underlining the pressure and honor of her upcoming bout.
The UFC Fight Night card is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, with viewers able to tune in via ESPN+.
With both de Ridder and Allen known for their submission skills and striking output, this fight could go either way. De Ridder’s broader submission array and preparation time may give him an edge, but Allen’s cardio and experience in main events could prove crucial.
As fight night approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of these high-stakes bouts. Mark your calendars for this thrilling event that could reshape the middleweight division landscape.
Prediction: De Ridder is favored to win via Unanimous Decision, but expect a closely contested battle.
