UFC Fight Night – Reinier de Ridder vs Brendan Allen: Preview & Betting Tips

The middleweight division is the focus this Saturday as Reinier de Ridder makes his long-awaited UFC main event debut against Brendan Allen at the UFC Fight Night in Vancouver, Canada.

De Ridder (21-2) enters the Octagon riding a wave of momentum after edging out former champion Robert Whittaker in a split decision back in July. This result extended his unbeaten UFC record to four, with the previous three victories all coming inside the distance.

Allen (25-7) steps up on short notice after Anthony Hernandez withdrew due to injury. While some may view this as a last-minute opportunity, Allen is no stranger to five-round wars and will relish this opportunity off the back of a win against veteran Marvin Vettori. 

Tale of the Tape

Reinier de Ridder – Odds 1.50

Record: 21-2

Age: 35

Height: 6ft4

Reach: 78”

Weight: Middleweight 

Stance: Southpaw

Brendan Allen – Odds 2.63

Record: 25-7

Age: 29

Height: 6ft2

Reach: 75”

Weight: Middleweight 

Stance: Orthodox

Reinier de Ridder vs Brendan Allen: Analysis 

De Ridder has great suffocating grappling and relentless top control, and this has helped the Dutchman to build into his UFC career by dictating pace from dominant positions, which is evident in his 4-0 run in the company thus far. The Dutchman’s transitions and submission setups are fluid and dangerous, often forcing opponents into defensive shells that stall any offensive rhythm.

Allen, on the other hand, is no slouch on the mat himself; he has very good Brazilian jiu-jitsu with improving stand-up and has durable cardio. Allen has already stated that he believes he matches up really well with the Dutchman for these reasons. 

De Ridder wants to close distance, clinch, and drag Allen into his world, on the mat. Once there, he’ll look to pass guard and control from half guard or mount, where his long limbs make transitions to chokes and arm triangles almost seamless. Allen though will aim to keep scrambles alive and use his sharper striking to chip away at range.

De Ridder vs Allen: Prediction & Betting Tips

Allen’s best weapon may be his cardio. De Ridder has shown in the Whittaker fight that he does fade when opponents survive the early grappling storm. If Allen can push the fight into rounds 4 and 5, he could flip momentum and steal a decision, or even secure a submission reversal if De Ridder overextends.

I expect a very tense and technical fight. De Ridder’s control and positional dominance should dictate the early rounds, while Allen will rally late. Still, over five rounds, the Dutchman’s takedowns and pressure should prove decisive.

I’m taking Reinier de Ridder to win by submission at odds of 3.25 as I believe the Dutchman can secure a choke in the third round or later.