Allens Stunning Upset Victory

Brendan Allen, born December 28, 1995, in South Carolina, is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC middleweight division. Known by the nickname "All In," he stands 6'2" tall and fights with an orthodox stance. Allen began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at age 13 and later pursued a criminal justice degree at Southeastern Louisiana University while sharpening his MMA skills at Clementi's Gladiator Academy[1][5]. He turned professional in 2015 after winning the IMMAF amateur middleweight championship. Allen captured the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) middleweight title in September 2018 by submitting Tim Hiley. His UFC debut came in October 2019, where he secured a submission victory over Kevin Holland. Since then, Allen has built a consistent UFC record, known for his high finish rate—about 80% of his wins come by knockout or submission. As of 2024-2025, his professional MMA record stands at approximately 26 wins and 7 losses[1][2][4][9]. Allen is recognized for his grappling skills, particularly his rear-naked choke submissions, which have earned him multiple wins inside the octagon. He has continued to compete actively in the UFC middleweight division, recently facing opponents like Paul Craig, whom he defeated via submission in November 2023. He remains ranked among the top middleweight fighters globally and is scheduled for ongoing fights into late 2025[4][5][8]. Overall, Brendan Allen is a prominent UFC middleweight contender noted for his grappling prowess, finishing ability, and steady ascent in professional MMA since his debut. His current relevance is marked by continued competition in UFC events and maintaining a strong win record against high-level opponents.

Reinier de Ridder, known as “The Dutch Knight,” is a Dutch mixed martial artist who has established himself as one of the world’s most accomplished middleweights in both ONE Championship and the UFC[1][3]. Born on September 7, 1990, in the Netherlands, de Ridder stands 6 feet 4 inches tall and competes in the middleweight division, currently representing the Combat Brothers team[4]. He is recognized for his southpaw stance, technical grappling, and a finishing rate that has made him a standout in multiple promotions[3][4]. De Ridder’s early career was marked by a strong foundation in martial arts and a relentless work ethic, shaped by his upbringing in a small town outside Tilburg[3]. He turned professional in 2013 and built his reputation in regional European circuits before joining ONE Championship, where he rapidly ascended to global prominence[6]. In ONE, he captured both the middleweight and light heavyweight titles, notably defeating two-division champion Aung La N Sang in October 2020 to claim the middleweight belt—a victory that cemented his status as a top-tier fighter[3][8]. His reign in ONE was characterized by a dominant, submission-heavy style and an undefeated streak that drew international attention[3][8]. After a high-profile run in ONE Championship, de Ridder transitioned to the UFC, making his debut in 2024 after a period of legal and promotional challenges[6]. His UFC journey has been closely watched, with notable fights including a high-stakes bout against former champion Robert Whittaker, which he won by split decision, and a recent headline match against Brendan Allen in October 2025, though the latter ended with de Ridder retiring in his corner[1]. These performances have kept him relevant in the UFC’s competitive middleweight division, where he remains a contender to watch[1]. Outside the cage, de Ridder is a dedicated family man and entrepreneur, owning a gym in the Netherlands and prioritizing time with his two young children[2]. His ability to balance professional ambition with personal life has been a consistent theme in interviews, reflecting a grounded perspective amid the pressures of elite combat sports[2]. As of late 2025, Reinier de Ridder continues to compete at the highest level, with his career trajectory, championship pedigree, and recent high-profile fights ensuring his ongoing significance in global MMA[1][6].