Overview

• Anthony Hernandez withdrew with an injury, prompting Allen to replace him against de Ridder on Oct. 18 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.
• De Ridder called the change a letdown yet thanked Allen for stepping in, and he noted they share the Kill Cliff gym but have not trained together.
• Allen said he is “better everywhere” and unafraid of de Ridder’s grappling, a focal point since both are elite submission threats.
• De Ridder criticized Paulo Costa for turning down the opportunity after seeking a catchweight and three-round terms.
• Analysis portrays the matchup as meaningful for positioning under new champion Khamzat Chimaev, with the eliminator stakes less defined and Nassourdine Imavov still in the mix.