Brendan Allen delivered a press release performance at UFC Vancouver on Saturday night, overwhelming Reinier de Ridder in a grueling essential event that led to dramatic fashion between rounds. After 4 rounds of relentless pressure and domination from the American Canadian, de Ridder’s corner threw within the towel as their exhausted fighter sat on his stool unable to proceed, giving Allen a TKO victory via corner stoppage at Rogers Arena.
😳🚨 Brendan Allen just DOMINATED Reinier de Ridder and got a TKO victory after RDR’s corner threw within the towel at the tip of the fourth round. pic.twitter.com/wdvUfVtRvM
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 19, 2025
The bout marked a surprising reversal of fortunes for each middleweights. De Ridder entered the octagon as a major favorite, riding a four-fight UFC winning streak that included victories over former champion Robert Whittaker and rising star Bo Nickal. Allen, stepping in on short notice to switch the injured Anthony Hernandez, was dismissed by many as an afterthought despite his 25-7 record and up to date win over Marvin Vettori.
From round two on, Allen proved the doubters flawed. The Louisiana native implemented a suffocating game plan that neutralized de Ridder’s vaunted grappling and slowly drained the Dutch fighter’s gas tank over the course of three punishing rounds. What was expected to be a technical grappling chess match devolved right into a one-sided beatdown as Allen’s relentless pace and pressure broke down the previous ONE Championship double champion.
Brendan Allen’s Tactical Masterclass
Allen’s strategy was clear from the outset: make de Ridder work for each second of each round. Relatively than allowing the 6-foot-4 Dutchman to dictate the pace along with his unorthodox clinch work and judo throws, Allen pushed forward to get into the clinch and get the fight to the mat.
When the fight did hit the mat, Allen demonstrated why he’s considered one in all the division’s most dangerous grapplers. He scrambled effectively out of danger, reversed positions, and compelled de Ridder to expend massive amounts of energy just to take care of control. Allen’s submission defense proved impenetrable, negating de Ridder’s primary ending weapon and forcing him to fight off his back.
Brendan Allen is now the #4 Middleweight
Fair Play to Him. No Risk, No Reward. pic.twitter.com/Y26zhfRt25— fu’ad (@harirfuad) October 19, 2025
Because the rounds progressed, Allen’s cardio advantage became increasingly apparent. While de Ridder began to slow visibly within the third round, his movements became labored and his grappling diminished, Allen maintained his frenetic pace. The American Canadian sensed blood within the water and turned up the pressure, landing more ground and pound and controlling more cage time with each passing minute.
By the fourth round, de Ridder was running on fumes. His corner might be heard urging him to dig deep, however the exhaustion was written across his face. Allen continued to pour it on, landing vicious elbows and strikes on the mat that visibly hurt the fading Dutch fighter. De Ridder’s legendary toughness kept him standing, but he was now not competing—merely surviving.
Corner Makes Merciful Decision
When the horn sounded to finish the fourth round, de Ridder trudged back to his corner, collapsing heavily onto his stool. As his cornermen assessed their fighter, the grim reality became clear: de Ridder had given all the things he had and had nothing left for the ultimate five minutes. His respiratory was labored, his body language defeated, and his responses to his coaches sluggish.
After a transient but intense discussion, de Ridder’s team made the difficult but needed decision. As referee Jason Herzog prepared to send the fighters back out for the fifth round, de Ridder’s corner called it off. Herzog immediately waved off the competition, and the gang erupted as Allen’s hand was raised in victory.
🚨 OH MY GOD RDR JUST QUIT ON HIS STOOL IN A TITLE CONTENDER FIGHT!!!!!
BRENDAN ALLEN WINS!!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME???????? #UFCVancouver pic.twitter.com/2bUOGqT3Pa
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 19, 2025
The stoppage sparked immediate debate amongst fans and analysts. Some praised de Ridder’s corner for safeguarding their fighter from unnecessary damage, while others questioned whether the Dutch submission specialist could have found a finish in the ultimate round. Nonetheless, those closest to the motion understood: de Ridder was completely spent, and sending him out for an additional round would have served no purpose beyond absorbing more punishment.
The victory represents a large bounce-back for Allen, who had dropped two consecutive fights to Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov before defeating Vettori in July. More importantly, it positions him squarely back within the middleweight title picture. By defeating the division’s hottest prospect in dominant fashion, Allen proved he belongs among the many elite at 185 kilos.
For de Ridder, the loss represents a major setback in his rapid ascent through the UFC ranks. Questions will inevitably arise about his cardio and whether his frame—higher suited to light heavyweight—can sustain the pace required in five-round middleweight bouts. The finish also tarnishes his aura of invincibility, proving that sustained pressure and relentless pace can break even probably the most achieved grapplers.
Allen’s performance sent shockwaves through the middleweight division and announced his arrival as a legitimate title contender. On an evening where he entered as an underdog alternative, “All In” Allen proved that heart, preparation, and tactical brilliance can overcome any odds—and left Rogers Arena with the most important win of his profession.