Brendan Allen Steps In to Face Reinier de Ridder in UFC Vancouver Main Event

De Ridder says a win should make him next for Khamzat Chimaev despite the opponent change.

Overview

Anthony Hernandez withdrew injured, and Allen accepted the Oct. 18 headliner at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on short notice.
The matchup is framed as a clash of elite grapplers, with Allen declaring he is better everywhere and unfazed by de Ridder’s ground game.
De Ridder criticized Paulo Costa for seeking a catchweight and three rounds before not taking the bout, and he thanked Allen for accepting.
Preparing at Kill Cliff, de Ridder said he has added Robbie Lawler to his camp and increased wrestling work with new partners.
With Nassourdine Imavov coming off a win in Paris, the eliminator status is now uncertain, but de Ridder is targeting a quick turnaround for a title shot.