Reinier de Ridder’s impressive fourtko-ankalaev-light-heavyweight-title/” title=”UFC 320 Shockwave: Pereira's Epic … … Snatches Back Light Heavyweight Crown!”>ufc-perth/” title=”Ulberg Stuns Reyes with Explosive First-Round KO at … in Perth!”>-fight winning streak in the UFC came to an end when he was unable to continue against Brendan Allen.
On Saturday night at UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, Brendan Allen made a significant impact in the UFC middleweight division by handing Reinier de Ridder his first loss in the promotion. The fight concluded with a technical knockout (TKO) after de Ridder’s corner stopped the bout before the fifth round, as the Dutch fighter appeared visibly drained in his neutral corner.
Allen, who stepped in on short notice replacing Anthony Hernandez, effectively neutralized de Ridder’s powerful striking by relying on his wrestling skills and maintaining control from the top position. The American’s strategy left de Ridder struggling to respond throughout the contest.
“It feels great to back up my words,” Allen stated post-fight. “I was just three and a half weeks off the couch before this. When my mind is clear and I’m focused, I’m unstoppable.”
With the middleweight division crowded with contenders, Allen confidently declared that his performance has earned him a shot at the title against reigning champion Khamzat Chimaev. “Bring it on,” he challenged.
Before this defeat, de Ridder had maintained an unbeaten streak for 19 months, showcasing his dominance in the division.
In the co-main event, welterweight Mike Malott narrowly avoided a no-contest against Kevin Holland after an accidental foul early in the fight compromised Holland’s protective gear. Despite a failed arm-triangle choke attempt in the third round, Malott secured a hard-fought victory via unanimous decision, with all judges scoring the bout 29-28.
Bantamweight Aiemann Zahabi emerged victorious over former title challenger Marlon Vera by split decision, with judges scoring the fight 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28 in Zahabi’s favor.
In women’s flyweight action, ex-title contender Manon Fiorot delivered a swift and decisive TKO against Canada’s Jasmine Jasudavicius. Fiorot overwhelmed her opponent with a rapid combination of punches, forcing the referee to stop the fight just 1:14 into the first round.
