Reinier de Ridder attributed his loss to Brendan Allen to a extreme norovirus an infection and a damaged hand suffered early within the match. After UFC Struggle Evening 262 in Vancouver, de Ridder stated on social media that he had been “sick with norovirus all week,” struggled to face and broke his hand in spherical one, however nonetheless “give it his all.” He concluded his assertion by difficult former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland for his weight class title.
Reinier de Ridder had norovirus in opposition to Brendan Allen
The October 18, 2025 essential occasion will likely be De Ridder’s fourth UFC look since becoming a member of the promotion, following his dominant run in ONE Championship. Allen, who changed Anthony Hernandez with an harm, was compelled right into a nook cease on the finish of the fourth spherical. In keeping with UFC statistics, Allen managed De Ridder for greater than 11 minutes on the mat, outscoring him 128-51. De Ridder was unable to return to the stool in time for the fifth spherical and was thrown within the towel in his nook.
De Ridder enters the Octagon with 4 straight wins within the UFC. His 21-3 file included championships in each the ONE middleweight and lightweight heavyweight divisions. Regardless of sickness and harm, he managed to safe a takedown within the first body and threatened a submission all through. By the second spherical, Allen reversed a number of exchanges of floor and maintained prime place till the battle was stopped.
Brendan Allen improved to 26-7 in his professional profession, scoring his largest win throughout his time within the UFC. In his post-fight feedback, Allen referred to as out the contestants, together with present middleweight champion Drikas du Plessis, former champion and Sean Strickland. It stays to be seen whether or not du Plessis or different opponents will reply, however de Ridder claims he has his sights set on Strickland, instantly referencing his tweet deal with in his personal message.
Calling out Sean Strickland
Former UFC middleweight titleholder Sean Strickland misplaced his belt to Dorikas du Plessis by unanimous determination at UFC 312 in February 2025. As of August 19, 2025, Strickland was ranked No. 3 within the UFC middleweight rankings. His skilled file is 29-7, that includes 11 knockout wins and 4 submissions.
De Ridder’s public call-up indicators a realignment throughout the middleweight division. With Strickland wanting to regain gold and De Ridder seeking to bounce again from his first loss within the UFC, a matchup between the 2 might garner loads of consideration. De Ridder’s tweet ended with a direct enchantment: “@SStricklandMMA, I am right here to win the middleweight belt. Let’s do it!” If each fighters’ schedules could be organized, this conflict might emerge because the division-defining battle and a possible title-clinching match in early 2026.
Wanting forward, De Ridder will want medical clearance following his battle with norovirus and a damaged hand. If he recovers in time, securing a title shot will rely on UFC matchmaking and the end result of du Plessis’ subsequent title protection. Strickland, in the meantime, hasn’t been booked for a battle since shedding the title in February, leaving the door open for a fast, high-stakes showdown.
