When it comes to grappling, fear doesn’t factor into Brendan Allen’s equation — and that’s exactly why the UFC middleweight is charging headfirst into a showdown with Reinier de Ridder. This isn’t just another fight for the No. 11-ranked Allen; it’s a bold statement. On October 18, 2025, inside Vancouver’s Rogers Arena, he’ll step into the cage with the surging Dutch phenom in the main event of UFC Vancouver, a bout that’s already sparking debates among fans and analysts alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Allen isn’t just confident — he’s dismissive. ‘He’s never fought anyone like me,’ he declared in a recent Instagram video, a line that’s sure to divide opinions. Let’s unpack what that really means.
Reinier de Ridder, known for his elite grappling and explosive finishes, has built a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous threats. His split decision win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Abu Dhabi — a grueling battle of attrition — cemented his status as a title contender. Yet Allen, fresh off a unanimous decision victory over rival Marvin Vettori, isn’t intimidated. ‘I don’t think he can strike better than me. I don’t think he’s tougher than me. I don’t think his grappling’s better than mine,’ Allen said, challenging the narrative that de Ridder’s ground game is an insurmountable obstacle. And this is the part most people miss: Allen’s track record against top-tier grapplers tells a different story. He’s submitted Paul Craig and Andre Muniz — two of the middleweight division’s most feared submission specialists — with relative ease. That’s not just bravado; it’s a blueprint.
But let’s not ignore the elephant in the ring. Allen’s comments about Whittaker — whom he called ‘kind of washed’ — have already drawn heat. Is this a fair assessment, or is Allen underestimating the challenges of facing a fighter like de Ridder? After all, Whittaker’s loss to de Ridder was far from a rout. The Dutchman’s resilience and adaptability have been tested in high-stakes fights, and Allen’s claim that ‘he’s never fought a young, hungry guy like me’ might be a double-edged sword. Will de Ridder’s experience and technical prowess neutralize Allen’s physicality and aggression? Or will Allen’s MMA-specific grappling — honed through years of battling top-tier competition — give him the edge?
Allen’s path to this moment hasn’t been without stumbles. A pair of losses to Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov briefly derailed his title ambitions, but the 25-7 welterweight has since reeled off seven straight wins, including five finishes. His recent victory over Vettori, a former title challenger, proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Now, with less than a month until fight night, the pressure is on. Fans are left wondering: Is this a classic case of overconfidence, or is Allen’s strategy a masterstroke? And what does this matchup mean for the future of the middleweight division? We’ll find out soon — but until then, the chatter is just getting started. What’s your take? Drop a comment and let us know if you think Allen’s bold claims will hold up under the bright lights of Vancouver.
