Brendan Allen Upsets Reinier de Ridder; Corner Throws in Towel

BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events, UFC middleweight Brendan Allen achieved the biggest victory of his career, stopping Reinier de Ridder in the fourth round at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver on October 14, 2023. Allen, who stepped in on short notice for Anthony Hernandez, dominated the fight, forcing de Ridder’s corner to throw in the towel between the fourth and fifth rounds.

This decisive win not only ends de Ridder’s impressive four-fight winning streak, which began last November, but also solidifies Allen’s position as a serious contender in the middleweight division. “I told you I’m a different monster,” Allen exclaimed post-fight. “When my head is clear and we’re on, I’m the best in the world.”

The fight started with challenges for Allen, as he found himself on the defensive in the first round, even conceding a takedown. However, he quickly reclaimed control, showcasing his grappling skills and landing a staggering 128 total strikes compared to de Ridder’s 51, according to UFC Stats. By the end of the fourth round, de Ridder could barely stand, prompting referee Jason Herzog to closely assess the fighter’s condition before the towel was thrown in.

Following this emphatic victory, Allen called out UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, as well as former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. “Chimaev, if you want a good grappler, someone young and hungry, you got it baby,” he said, emphasizing his ambitions for a title shot.

In the co-main event, Canadian welterweight Mike Mallott secured a notable win over Kevin Holland via decision, while Aiemann Zahabi climbed the bantamweight ranks with a split decision victory against former title challenger Marlon Vera.

As reactions pour in from fans and analysts alike, the MMA world is buzzing with excitement about Allen’s future prospects and the possibility of his next fight. This victory marks a pivotal moment not just for Allen, but for the entire middleweight division as he looks to make a name for himself among the elite fighters.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story and what’s next for Brendan Allen, a rising star in the UFC.