Reinier de Ridder described his defeat to Brendan Allen as the results of a extreme norovirus an infection and a damaged hand sustained early within the bout. Talking by way of social media after UFC Combat Night time 262 in Vancouver, de Ridder stated he had “norovirus all week,” struggled to face and broke his hand in Spherical 1, but nonetheless “gave every part I had.” He concluded his assertion by issuing a problem to former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland for the division’s title.
Reinier de Ridder had Norovirus In opposition to Brendan Allen
The principle occasion on October 18, 2025, marked de Ridder’s fourth UFC look since becoming a member of the promotion after a dominant run in ONE Championship. Allen, who stepped in on quick discover when Anthony Hernandez withdrew resulting from harm, compelled a nook stoppage on the finish of Spherical 4. UFC statistics present Allen managed de Ridder on the mat for over 11 minutes and outstruck him 128 to 51. De Ridder’s nook threw within the towel when he couldn’t return to his stool in time for the fifth spherical.
De Ridder entered the Octagon off a four-fight UFC successful streak. His report of 21-3 included championships in each ONE’s middleweight and light-weight heavyweight divisions. Regardless of his sickness and harm, he managed to safe a takedown within the opening body and threatened submissions all through. By Spherical 2, Allen reversed a number of floor exchanges and maintained prime place till the struggle was halted.
Brendan Allen improved to 26-7 in his skilled profession, securing the most important victory of his UFC tenure. In post-fight remarks, Allen known as out reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, former champions and contenders alike, together with Sean Strickland. Whether or not du Plessis or one other opponent solutions stays to be seen, however de Ridder insisted he has his sights set on Strickland, whose tweet deal with he referenced immediately in his personal message.
Calls Out Sean Strickland
Sean Strickland, a former UFC middleweight titleholder, misplaced the belt to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 312 in February 2025 by unanimous determination. As of August 19, 2025, Strickland was ranked third within the UFC’s middleweight rankings. His skilled report stands at 29-7, that includes 11 knockout wins and 4 submissions.
De Ridder’s public call-out exhibits the reshuffling inside the middleweight division. With Strickland wanting to reclaim gold and de Ridder aiming to rebound from his first UFC loss, a matchup between the 2 might draw important curiosity. De Ridder’s tweet concluded with a direct enchantment: “@SStricklandMMA, I’m coming for that middleweight belt. Let’s do that!” If each males align their schedules, the conflict could emerge as a defining contest for the division in early 2026 as a attainable title eliminator.
Wanting forward, de Ridder would require medical clearance following the norovirus bout and hand fracture. Ought to he get better in time, securing a title shot will rely upon UFC matchmaking and the end result of du Plessis’s subsequent protection. In the meantime, Strickland has not been booked for a struggle since his February title loss, leaving the door open for a high-stakes showdown on quick discover.
