Reinier de Ridder has publicly addressed his recent defeat, which marked an end to his impressive undefeated streak in the UFC. De Ridder faced off against Brendan Allen in a highly anticipated matchup in Vancouver, but the outcome was not what he had hoped for. The fight began with a strong performance from de Ridder, who managed to secure an early takedown, spending much of the first round attempting to gain a submission hold on Allen.
Despite his aggressive start, de Ridder was unable to achieve a finish. As the second round progressed, Allen began to outgrapple him, exploiting de Ridder's fading energy. By the end of the fourth round, de Ridder was visibly exhausted and struggled to return to his corner, ultimately failing to rise from his stool as Allen celebrated his victory.
In an emotional post on Instagram, de Ridder expressed his feelings about the loss, stating, “I was not the best fighter in the cage Saturday and it stings.” He acknowledged the importance of experiencing both the highs and lows of being a fighter, noting that while many people lead a steady life, fighters encounter a wide range of experiences. “So many people go through life at a constant 6/10 but as a fighter we get to experience the full set of options,” he added.
This defeat not only ended de Ridder’s four-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC but also followed notable victories against fighters like Bo Nickal and former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Throughout his time in the octagon, de Ridder has been recognized as one of the most active fighters, and his bout with Allen was his fourth appearance in 2025.
Reflecting on his busy fight schedule, de Ridder hinted that he may have overexerted himself in preparation for his matches. “If we have shared the mats you know I tend to work more and harder than anybody else,” he remarked. He acknowledged that his intense focus on capturing the title led him to neglect listening to his body, a mistake that was evident in his performance last Saturday.
“I shall not stray the course but daddy is taking some time off kids. I was not myself but I will be again,” he asserted, indicating his commitment to returning stronger. De Ridder's statement suggests he is prepared to take a break before re-entering the UFC in 2026. “If you know me, you know what I’m coming for. Be nice out there and see you soon,” he concluded, leaving fans eager for his return.
De Ridder's loss has significant implications for the middleweight division, potentially promoting Nassourdine Imavov as the next contender for a title shot against the reigning champion, Khamzat Chimaev. While de Ridder may not have achieved the outcome he desired, it seems he is ready to recharge and strategize for his next fight in the UFC, setting the stage for yet another exciting chapter in his fighting career.
