Brendan Allen Stuns Reinier de Ridder With TKO Win, Snapping His Four-Fight UFC Streak
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight division witnessed a major shake-up on Saturday night as American fighter Brendan Allen scored an impressive technical knockout (TKO) victory over Reinier de Ridder, ending the Dutch fighter’s four-fight winning streak in dramatic fashion.
The bout headlined UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, where Allen’s relentless ground control and striking dominance forced De Ridder’s corner to stop the contest before the start of the fifth round. The result marked De Ridder’s first UFC loss, halting his previously unbeaten run in the promotion.
A Shocking End to De Ridder’s Run
After an intense four rounds of action, De Ridder (21-3 MMA) appeared visibly exhausted in his corner. Despite his reputation as a technically skilled and dangerous kickboxer, he struggled to match Allen’s grappling and endurance throughout the fight.
The referee waved off the bout before the fifth round began after De Ridder’s corner team indicated that their fighter could no longer continue. It was a disappointing end for the Dutch star, who had not suffered defeat in nearly 19 months and had been considered a potential title contender prior to this setback.
Allen’s victory not only earned him a major statement win but also positioned him squarely among the UFC’s top middleweight contenders.
Allen Dominates With Wrestling and Control
Fighting on short notice, Brendan Allen (26-7 MMA) showcased his trademark wrestling prowess and ground control to perfection. He consistently neutralized De Ridder’s striking by closing the distance, taking the fight to the mat, and landing punishing elbows and punches from top position.
“It feels good to do exactly what I said I would do,” Allen said in his post-fight interview. “I came in on three and a half weeks’ notice, straight off the couch. But I told everyone I’m a different monster when my mind is clear. Tonight, I proved I’m one of the best middleweights in the world.”
Allen’s performance was methodical and precise. Every time De Ridder attempted to create space or return to his feet, Allen pressed forward, smothering him with constant pressure and well-timed transitions. His superior conditioning and strategic fight IQ were on full display.
Title Aspirations and the Khamzat Challenge
With the middleweight division currently in a state of flux, Allen used his post-fight moment to make his ambitions crystal clear. The 28-year-old Louisiana native believes his dominant showing against De Ridder puts him next in line for a title shot against unbeaten champion Khamzat Chimaev (15-0 MMA).
“Come get it, baby,” Allen said with a grin, calling out Chimaev for a championship clash. “I’ve fought whoever they’ve put in front of me, and I’ve beaten them. I’m ready for gold.”
Allen’s confidence is not misplaced. Saturday’s win marked his sixth straight victory inside the UFC and demonstrated that his grappling-heavy, aggressive style can trouble anyone in the division — even elite strikers like De Ridder.
De Ridder’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
For De Ridder, the loss was as much mental as it was physical. Known for his calm, analytical fighting style, the Dutchman seemed unable to adjust to Allen’s relentless pace and ground control. His usually sharp counterstrikes and distance management were disrupted from the opening round.
Despite some early flashes of his trademark kickboxing — including a few strong body kicks and jabs — De Ridder struggled to find consistent success. Each takedown from Allen sapped his energy further, and by the end of the fourth round, fatigue had taken its toll.
The defeat ends De Ridder’s four-fight UFC winning streak and raises questions about his conditioning and ability to deal with aggressive wrestlers in the top 10.
Co-Main Event: Mike Malott Survives Chaos to Beat Kevin Holland
The co-main event of the night provided its own dose of drama as Canadian welterweight Mike Malott (13-2-1 MMA) earned a hard-fought decision victory over veteran Kevin Holland (28-15 MMA) in a highly competitive bout.
Early in the first round, Malott nearly suffered a freak accident when a misfired leg kick compromised Holland’s protective cup. Referee Herb Dean momentarily paused the fight as Holland grimaced in pain, narrowly avoiding a no-contest ruling.
Despite the unusual start, both fighters recovered quickly and delivered an entertaining three-round battle. Malott nearly finished the fight in Round 3 with an arm-triangle choke attempt, but Holland managed to survive until the final bell. All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in favor of Malott, earning him a crucial win in front of his home crowd.
Aiemann Zahabi Defeats Marlon Vera in Tactical Battle
In bantamweight action, Aiemann Zahabi pulled off a narrow but impressive decision victory against former title challenger Marlon “Chito” Vera (23-11-1 MMA). The contest was a strategic chess match, with both fighters trading control and striking exchanges throughout three rounds.
Judges scored the bout 29-28, 28-29, and 29-28, giving Zahabi the split-decision win. The victory strengthens Zahabi’s standing in the bantamweight division as he continues to build momentum against some of the division’s most experienced opponents.
Manon Fiorot Destroys Jasmine Jasudavicius in Quick TKO
In the women’s flyweight division, French contender Manon Fiorot (13-2 MMA) made a powerful statement by dismantling Canada’s Jasmine Jasudavicius (14-4 MMA) in just 74 seconds.
From the opening bell, Fiorot showcased her elite striking and precision. A flurry of clean, powerful punches overwhelmed Jasudavicius, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight at 1:14 of the first round.
The victory adds another highlight-reel finish to Fiorot’s growing resume and could propel her closer to another title shot in the flyweight division.
A Night of Turning Points for the UFC Middleweight Division
Saturday’s UFC Fight Night in Vancouver was more than just another event — it represented a pivotal moment for several fighters looking to redefine their careers.
Brendan Allen’s victory over Reinier de Ridder may have just shifted the balance of power in the middleweight ranks. With his well-rounded skill set, unshakable confidence, and growing streak of dominant wins, Allen could soon find himself standing across from Khamzat Chimaev in one of the UFC’s most anticipated matchups.
For De Ridder, the defeat is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. Once viewed as a rising force in both striking and submission fighting, the Dutchman will now need to regroup, rebuild, and prove he can bounce back from adversity at the highest level.