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Brendan Allen Steps In To Face Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night 262 in Vancouver

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 11:07 AM ET

UFC Fight Night 262 has a new headliner. With Anthony Hernandez withdrawing from the Oct. 18 main event in Vancouver for undisclosed reasons, the UFC has tapped Brendan Allen to step in against Reinier de Ridder in a five-round middleweight clash at Rogers Arena, live on ESPN+.

De Ridder’s Rapid Rise

De Ridder (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) continues to surge as one of the UFC’s fastest-rising middleweights. After stopping his first three UFC opponents, he outlasted former champion Robert Whittaker in a hard-fought split decision at his last outing, extending his winning streak to five. A victory in Vancouver would strengthen his case as the division’s next title challenger.

MAIN EVENT CHANGE UP NORTH!

Reinier de Ridder vs Brendan Allen Who you got at #UFCVancouver?!

Tickets On Sale NOW https://t.co/TWGBwz6IqV pic.twitter.com/kiRynrXqb0

— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 15, 2025

Allen’s Short-Notice Opportunity

Allen (25-7 MMA, 13-4 UFC) gets a golden opportunity to re-enter the contender mix. The 28-year-old recently snapped a two-fight skid by beating Marvin Vettori at UFC 318, rebounding from losses to Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov. Stepping in on short notice, Allen has the chance to disrupt de Ridder’s rise and reclaim momentum in the crowded 185-pound division.