An thrilling battle that would have doubtlessly decided the primary challenger to middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is now off, as Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez has been pressured out of UFC Vancouver resulting from harm.
In consequence, Reinier De Ridder will now face Brendan Allen in the primary occasion of UFC Vancouver.
The UFC confirmed the information in a social media publish on Monday, September 15.
MAIN EVENT CHANGE UP NORTH!
Reinier de Ridder vs Brendan Allen
Who you bought at #UFCVancouver?! Tickets On Sale NOW
https://t.co/TWGBwz6IqV pic.twitter.com/kiRynrXqb0
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) September 15, 2025
Hernandez confirmed the information that night with a press release on social media.
View this publish on Instagram
UFC Vancouver To Now Be Headlined By Reinier De Ridder vs. Brendan Allen
“I need to sincerely apologize to the UFC, to my opponent Reinier De Ridder, and to everybody who was wanting ahead to this matchup,” Hernandez mentioned. “I additionally need to thank Brendan Allen for stepping up, it means loads. To my followers, thanks for all the time tuning in, supporting me, and driving with me by all the pieces. Proper now my focus is on getting wholesome so I can come again stronger than ever. After I return, I’ll be able to make a press release.”
The battle was, and nonetheless is, pivotal for the middleweight title scene. Hernandez vs. De Ridder was beforehand talked about alongside Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho as potential title eliminators. The stakes appeared elevate after Imavov’s lackluster win over Borralho at UFC Paris a few weeks in the past.
De Ridder, the previous two-division ONE champion, is 4-0 within the UFC since arriving to the Octagon final fall. His Octagon report has included finishes of Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and Bo Nickal, in addition to a break up choice victory over Robert Whittaker.
Allen fought two months in the past at UFC 318, scoring a choice over Marvin Vettori.
