The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to descend upon “The Great White North” once more, bringing with it a pivotal night of fights. On October 18, 2025, the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, will host a card headlined by a middleweight clash that carries significant implications for the division`s upper echelon. This event marks the Octagon`s second visit to Canada this year, underscoring the nation`s consistent appetite for elite mixed martial arts.
A Main Event Forged in Short Notice: De Ridder vs. Allen
At the heart of UFC Vancouver`s drama is the main event featuring the rapidly ascending Dutch star, Reinier de Ridder. Known for his dominant grappling and relentless pressure, de Ridder makes a remarkably swift return to action following his latest victory. Originally slated to face Anthony Hernandez, a last-minute opponent change sees him now squaring off against the formidable and highly regarded stalwart challenger, Brendan Allen. Such eleventh-hour adjustments are a testament to the unpredictable nature of combat sports, often injecting an extra layer of intrigue and urgency into a fight.
De Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, has swiftly established himself as a force within the UFC. His recent dismantling of former champion Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi solidified his status, placing him firmly in the conversation for a title shot. Allen, on the other hand, represents a significant challenge, boasting a well-rounded skill set and a tenacious spirit that has seen him overcome numerous elite contenders. This clash is not merely a fight; it`s a direct route to contention, with the winner potentially positioning themselves for a shot at middleweight gold.
The Rise and the Whispers: De Ridder and the Chimaev Conundrum
The sheer velocity of de Ridder`s ascent has been a topic of fervent discussion among analysts and fellow fighters. His impressive run has already drawn comparisons and speculation about future matchups, most notably against the undefeated middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev, who ascended to the throne in August. It’s an interesting twist of fate that while de Ridder still has the very real and immediate challenge of Brendan Allen ahead, the MMA world is already contemplating his eventual collision with Chimaev.
Prominent figures within the sport, such as former welterweight title challenger Gilbert Burns, have openly voiced their belief that de Ridder might just be the division`s best chance to dethrone the seemingly invincible Chimaev. Speaking on a podcast, Burns remarked, “I think from the whole division, I think he’s (de Ridder) the one that has more chance. I was talking to Chimaev’s coach, jiu-jitsu coach, we fought before, and I asked, ‘Who do you think is the hardest fight?’ I said I think it’s RDR, and then he said, ‘Me too’.” Such high praise, while a testament to de Ridder’s skill, adds a unique pressure to every bout he undertakes, transforming each victory into a stepping stone towards a hypothetical, yet increasingly anticipated, super-fight.
Co-Main Event and Other Noteworthy Bouts
Beyond the high-stakes middleweight main event, UFC Vancouver delivers a compelling co-main event featuring the ever-busy and fan-favorite welterweight, Kevin Holland. Known for his dynamic striking and engaging personality, Holland looks to upset the local crowd as he faces Ontario`s own Mike Malott. This promises to be a high-octane affair, with both fighters eager to make a statement.
The card also boasts a former bantamweight title challenger, Marlon Vera, who seeks to fend off Canadian talent Aiemann Zahabi in his quest for another shot at the bantamweight championship. The women`s flyweight division will see Manon Fiorot take on Jasmine Jasudavicius, further shaping the landscape of that competitive weight class. These matchups, among others, ensure that UFC Vancouver is a deep card with potential fireworks from start to finish.
Full Main Card:
- Middleweight: Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen
- Welterweight: Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott
- Bantamweight: Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi
- Flyweight: Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Bantamweight: Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng
- Lightweight: Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola
Full Preliminary Card:
- Bantamweight: Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant
- Flyweight: Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Park Hyun-sung
- Middleweight: Danny Barlow vs. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos
- Lightweight: Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober
- Strawweight: Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira
- Middleweight: Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui
- Bantamweight: Melissa Croden vs. Tainara Lisboa
Event Schedule and Accessibility
UFC Vancouver is slated for October 18, 2025, at the Rogers Arena. Preliminary card action is expected to commence in the late afternoon/early evening for North American viewers, typically around 4:00 PM (ET) / 1:00 PM (PT). The main card will follow, kicking off several hours later, around 7:00 PM (ET) / 4:00 PM (PT), extending into the early morning hours for audiences in time zones such as British Summer Time (BST).
Fans across various regions will be able to catch the action through major sports broadcasting platforms and the UFC`s official streaming service, ensuring comprehensive coverage of every bout from the preliminary fights to the highly anticipated main event.
The Verdict from Vancouver
UFC Vancouver promises to be more than just another fight night; it`s a pivotal moment for the middleweight division and a showcase for numerous rising stars. With Reinier de Ridder looking to validate the substantial hype against a tough Brendan Allen, and a stacked card supporting the main event, the Canadian audience is in for a treat. The echoes of speculation regarding de Ridder`s future add an irresistible layer of narrative depth, making this event a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of combat sports.
Marcus Bellamy