Overview
- The Oct. 18 main event at Rogers Arena in Vancouver streams with prelims at 4:00 p.m. ET on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+, followed by the main card at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
- Coverage positions the winner to argue for the next middleweight title shot against Khamzat Chimaev, with Nassourdine Imavov also viewed as a strong contender.
- Hernandez withdrew due to injury; de Ridder said Paulo Costa was considered but talks collapsed over Costa seeking a three-round catchweight.
- De Ridder (21-2, 4-0 UFC) enters as the betting favorite — around -210 at FanDuel — while top-10 Allen accepted the bout on short notice after defeating Marvin Vettori earlier this year.
- At media day de Ridder questioned Allen’s grappling polish and late-round stamina, while Allen dismissed de Ridder’s hype and raised concerns about Chimaev’s activity.