Reinier de Ridder has opened up following his recent loss to Brendan Allen at UFC Vancouver, ending his unbeaten streak. The fight saw de Ridder start strongly, securing an early takedown. However, he struggled to maintain control as the match progressed.
Fight Summary
De Ridder dominated the early exchanges but could not secure a submission before beginning to tire in the second round. Allen took advantage, outgrappling de Ridder and pushing him to his limits. By the fourth round, de Ridder was visibly exhausted and unable to continue, resulting in a stoppage victory for Allen.
Post-Fight Reflections
In an emotional statement on Instagram, de Ridder expressed his disappointment. He acknowledged, “I was not the best fighter in the cage Saturday and it stings.” Despite the loss, he expressed gratitude for the range of experiences in his career, noting that fighters often encounter both highs and lows.
Career Implications
- This defeat ended de Ridder’s four-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC.
- During this period, he achieved notable victories over fighters such as Bo Nickal and former champion Robert Whittaker.
- 2025 marked his fourth appearance in the UFC.
It appears that de Ridder’s busy fight schedule might have contributed to his performance. He indicated a need for a break to recover and recharge before returning in 2026. He remarked on the intensity of his training, stating, “I might have exaggerated a little bit.”
Future Prospects
Despite this setback, de Ridder is determined to recover and continue his pursuit of a title. His loss has seemingly positioned Nassourdine Imavov as the next contender for the middleweight title, currently held by Khamzat Chimaev.
De Ridder remains focused on returning stronger and has reassured fans of his commitment. “Be nice out there and see you soon,” he concluded, indicating he will regroup before booking his next fight in the UFC.
