Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen: Live round-by-round updates: UFC Vancouver: Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen: Live round-by-round updates

Streaking Dutch standout Reinier de Ridder takes on American contender Brendan Allen in a compelling middleweight bout in the main event of UFC Vancouver. Both men are vying to move closer to the title conversation in a division currently packed with top-tier talent.

De Ridder, undefeated in the UFC with a perfect 4-0 slate, has been on an incredible run since his debut last year. The Dutch grappling ace has shown steady evolution with each fight, earning stoppages over Kevin Holland and Bo Nickal before edging out Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi. Known for his submission prowess and suffocating pace, De Ridder has rapidly emerged as one of the most complete middleweights on the roster.

Stepping in on short notice, Allen sees this as an opportunity to reinsert himself into title contention. The Louisiana native bounced back from a February loss to Anthony Hernandez with a strong decision win over Marvin Vettori. With an 8-2 record in his last 10 outings, Allen has proven himself a dangerous and durable competitor capable of upsetting the division’s elite.

This matchup carries major implications for the 185-pound hierarchy. A fifth consecutive win could push De Ridder toward a title shot, while Allen can shake things up by derailing the surging Dutchman.

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UFC Vancouver prelims start at 4 PM ET/1 PM PT, followed by the main card at 7 PM ET/4 PM PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates of the event:

Round 1

De Ridder shoots early, and Allen lands a good knee. Allen is holding his own in the clinch, but De Ridder executes a good hip toss to take him down. He immediately works his way towards an arm triangle. He's on Allen's back now and has a deep figure four secured to work his way to a submission. Allen needs to keep hand fighting. De Ridder is applying pressure from the top now and attacks the neck. Good defense by Allen as he manages to survive the round.

Our Score: 10-9 De Ridder

Round 2

Allen immediately applies pressure in the striking exchanges, but De Ridder initiates the clinch. He executes an inside trip and has Allen pinned against the fence now. He's making Allen carry his weight. Allen capitalizes on a mistake and lands on top. He's landing some solid ground-and-pound, while De Ridder is trying to reverse the position. Big shots from Allen, and this has been a good response from him.

Our Score: 10-9 Allen (19-19 overall)

Round 3

De Ridder immediately takes Allen down and takes his back. He has one hand in for the rear-naked choke. Allen reverses the position, and right now, it's the second round all over again. Big ground-and-pound from Allen. He's punishing De Ridder, and the Dutchman is visibly hurt. De Ridder locks in a quick triangle choke, and it's deep. Allen survives it, but De Ridder is exhausted from the exchanges.

Our Score: 10-9 Allen (29-28 overall)

Round 4

Allen shoots for the takedown, carries De Ridder to his corner, and starts attacking with ground-and-pound. De Ridder is trying to survive. Allen is in side control, attacking with short elbows. This has been a one-way fight after the first round. Allen takes De Ridder's back and works his way to a submission. Good defense from De Ridder. However, De Ridder's corner throws in the towel after a gruelling round. And that's a wrap!

Official Result

Brendan Allen defeats Reinier De Ridder by TKO (retirement).

About the author

Abhishek Ramadasan Nambiar is a journalist who covers MMA at Sportskeeda. As a long-time practitioner of various martial arts, seeing the fusion of different forms into a quest for the ultimate fighter felt both primal and profoundly technical. At Sportskeeda, Abhishek's primary goal is to offer a fresh and distinctive angle through his writing, aiming to provide readers with more than just the basics of MMA. Along with keeping them informed about the latest developments in the sport, he strives to offer valuable insights that enhance their understanding of MMA.

When not writing about MMA, Abhishek often spends time reviewing music or devouring Brian Evanson's and Blake Crouch's work. Sign up to receive news, regular updates, and exclusive coverage.

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