The UFC returns to Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday, October 18, for UFC Fight Night 262, headlined by the middleweight clash between Reinier de Ridder and Brendan Allen. ‘The Dutch Knight’ was all set to face Anthony Hernandez in a potential title eliminator; however, Hernandez withdrew due to injury.

‘All In’ steps in on short notice, providing a challenge for de Ridder as well as an opportunity for him to advance up the middleweight rankings. Analysts and fighters have shared their predictions for how the bout will play out, and the consensus points to a battle of strategy, skill, and composure.

UFC veterans share their predictions on Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen

Belal Muhammad

With Allen stepping in on short notice, the bout is both a challenge for de Ridder and an opportunity for him to demonstrate his abilities. Belal Muhammad highlighted Allen’s preparation and flexibility as reasons why he may prove to be a real challenge for de Ridder. According to Muhammad, Allen blends precision punching, grappling, and submission offense, making him dangerous at all stages of the fight.

‘Remember The Name’ also praised Allen for his mental approach and adaptability, as he continuously adjusts to new opponents and fight scenarios. He said, “Brendan Allen has been inches away from beating both of these guys. He has the striking to strike with the best, the grappling to grapple with the best, the wrestling to wrestle with the best.”

He added, “And now he’s working with the best. We’re going to get him ready for Saturday night. He’s going to go out there, shock the world.” Muhammad stated that Allen’s ability to pressure opponents while threatening submissions makes him a credible underdog. His UFC experience versus top-tier middleweights means de Ridder should definitely not underestimate him.

Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman described the fight as a tactical war. Allen has striking, wrestling, and grappling abilities, but lapses in fight IQ. Knowing when to attack versus grapple has been costly for him so far. So now, ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ identified timing and awareness as potential differentiators.

“This is a tough fight for both guys… Brendan Allen can strike with the best of them, can grapple with the best of them. But RDR is a guy that can and will catch you in a submission if you’re not on your P’s and Q’s for all 25 minutes. Timing and awareness are everything in this matchup,” Usman said. Adaptability may influence the outcome. The fighter who combines aggression and positional understanding while dictating the tempo is likely to gain the edge, according to Usman.

Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping describes the fight as a mental and physical struggle. While Allen is a well-rounded and elite grappler, ‘The Count’ believes that mental inconsistencies have occasionally held him back. He said on his YouTube channel, “Brendan Allen has the skills to really cause problems for Reinier de Ridder. He’s very well-rounded. He’s a tremendously talented grappler.”

He continued, “Not being offensive to him, it’s this side of things that seems to get Brendan Allen. He seems to struggle with the mental side. He seems to get in his own way.”  Michael Bisping believes ‘The Dutch Knight’s’ grappling may prove decisive. With an average of 2.86 takedowns per 15 minutes and a 66% takedown defense, de Ridder has consistently displayed dominance over opponents. Neutralizing Allen’s striking early on could allow de Ridder to dictate the pace, turning the fight into a contest of strategy and mental discipline.

Sean Brady

Sean Brady promoted Allen’s striking as a potential weapon. Allen strikes harder and more accurately than de Ridder, which might enable him to control the early exchanges. Brady also noted that the fighters’ familiarity with each other, having trained at Kill Cliff, may influence how they read each other in the Octagon.

However, in the end, de Ridder’s elite grappling could counter Allen’s striking if he imposes control early. Brady said, “Brendan Allen versus Reinier de Ridder… I am going to pick my boy, Brendan Allen, as an underdog to get it done against de Ridder. I think Brendan hits harder on the feet, has better striking than de Ridder, has really good jiu-jitsu as well, and has good wrestling.”

He added, “Both of them have crossed paths during training at Kill Cliff, so I’m sure they have a familiarity with each other.” Ultimately, the fight may come down to who can dictate range and pace, making transitions between striking, wrestling, and grappling decisive.

Josh Thomson

Josh Thomson described the clash as a test of de Ridder’s title-contender readiness. Allen’s resilience and continuous pressure make him a threat throughout the three rounds. Thomson noted that de Ridder must exhibit control and precision in order to gain a decisive victory. “I think it really comes down to how RDR wins the fight… He puts himself in these positions, though. He is a gamer. He’s somebody that will bring the action. Now it’s about de Ridder showing that he can control and finish the fight without leaving openings,” Thomson said. Controlling the Octagon will be crucial for de Ridder. If ‘RDR’ becomes predictable, Allen’s aggressive style may open the door to counterattacks and submissions.

Chael Sonnen

According to ‘The American Gangster,’ it is de Ridder who would reign supreme by the end of the night. But he also emphasized that mindset is just as crucial as physical skill. ‘The Dutch Knight’ has a history of adjusting to opponent changes without losing focus, which could be crucial.

“I listened to a very compelling interview by Reinier de Ridder… Should RDR have success over Allen, I think that’s an extra motivator, and I think that is what RDR is looking at. When you go out there and make that walk at times that other people won’t, it’s a win,” Sonnen said.

According to Chael Sonnen, de Ridder’s grappling advantage, along with patience and tactical expertise, will seal the victory. By controlling the tempo and capitalizing on Allen’s occasional overextensions, ‘The Dutch Knight’ may solidify his place as a top contender and position himself for a future title shot.

UFC Fight Night 262 presents a compelling middleweight clash testing skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. Allen’s hitting, grappling, and wrestling abilities will put de Ridder under pressure. But analysts argue that composure, tactical execution, and agility may ultimately decide the fight.

Whether ‘The Dutch Knight’ asserts his grappling supremacy or Allen takes advantage of striking opportunities, Vancouver is prepared for an exciting fight that has the potential to change the middleweight landscape.