UFC Vancouver: Dutch Knight’s Quest
The Octagon returns to Vancouver for the first time since 2023 as former ONE Championship double champion Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder continues his quest for UFC gold. After spectacular victories over Kevin Holland, Bo Nickal, and Robert Whittaker, the Dutch submission specialist faces elite grappler Brendan “All In” Allen.
This middleweight showdown headlines a stacked card featuring rising contenders and Canadian favorites, promising an unforgettable night of world-class mixed martial arts action in the heart of British Columbia.
Main Event Analysis: Middleweight Contender Clash
Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder vs. Brendan “All In” Allen
This middleweight main event features two fighters looking to establish themselves as the next challenger for Khamzat Chimaev’s newly won title. De Ridder comes off a statement win over former champion Robert Whittaker, while Allen steps in as replacement after his Fight of the Night performance against Marvin Vettori.
Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder (21-2-0)
Age: 34 | Team: Netherlands | Ranking: #4 UFC Middleweight
Key Strengths:
• Former dual-weight ONE Championship champion — held middleweight and light heavyweight titles
• Recent statement victory — split decision win over Robert Whittaker in July 2025
• Incredible activity — making his fifth UFC appearance in less than 12 months
• Elite submission skills — known for his ground game and finishing ability
• Big-stage experience — former champion used to pressure situations
• Momentum builder — four wins in eight months since joining UFC
Points of Vigilance:
• Extremely high activity — potential wear from frequent fighting
• Facing dangerous replacement — Allen stepping up on short notice
• Adjustment period — still adapting to UFC competition level
Brendan “All In” Allen (25-7-0)
Age: 29 | Team: Kill Cliff FC | Ranking: #11 UFC Middleweight
Key Strengths:
• Elite submission specialist — owns second-most submissions in UFC middleweight history
• Recent momentum — Fight of the Night win over Marvin Vettori at UFC 318
• Former LFA champion — twice captured Legacy Fighting Alliance middleweight title
• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt — specializes in rear-naked choke submissions
• Youth advantage — 29 years old in his athletic prime
• Nothing to lose mentality — stepping up on short notice
Points of Vigilance:
• Short notice replacement — less time to prepare specifically for de Ridder
• Facing elite competition — de Ridder’s championship experience
• Recent losses to top competition — defeats to Nassourdine Imavov and Anthony Hernandez
Fight Breakdown
De Ridder’s Path to Victory: Use his championship experience and recent momentum to control the pace. Look to avoid extended grappling exchanges where Allen excels and utilize his striking improvements shown against Whittaker.
Allen’s Path to Victory: Make it a grappling contest early and often. Use his elite submission skills to threaten from every position and capitalize on any mistakes from the highly active de Ridder.
Main Event Prediction
This shapes up as a classic striker versus grappler matchup. De Ridder’s recent form and championship experience give him the edge, but Allen’s submission threats cannot be overlooked. Expect de Ridder to win via decision after managing Allen’s takedown attempts and controlling distance.
Co-Main Event Analysis: Welterweight Clash
Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland vs. Mike “Proper” Malott
This welterweight bout features one of the UFC’s most active fighters against Canada’s rising star. Holland makes his fifth appearance of 2025, while Malott looks to bounce back from his setback and capitalize on home crowd support.
Kevin “Trailblazer” Holland (28-14, 1 NC)
Age: 31 | From: Dallas, Texas | Ranking: #15 UFC Welterweight
Key Strengths:
• Incredible activity — most active UFC fighter since 2018, fifth fight of 2025
• Veteran experience — 43 professional MMA fights across multiple divisions
• Striking versatility — dangerous on the feet with good reach (81 inches)
• Comeback ability — bounced back with wins over Gunnar Nelson and Vicente Luque after de Ridder loss
• Performance bonuses — earned bonuses for Nelson and Luque victories
• Chaos factor — unpredictable style that can trouble opponents
Points of Vigilance:
• Coming off loss — dropped decision to Daniel Rodriguez at UFC 318
• Extremely high activity — potential wear from frequent fighting
• Fighting in Canada — away from home against crowd favorite
• Inconsistency issues — 2-2 record in 2025 despite high activity
Mike “Proper” Malott (12-2-1)
Age: 33 | From: Burlington, Ontario, Canada | Ranking: Unranked
Key Strengths:
• Perfect home record — fighting in Canada for the fifth consecutive time
• Recent momentum — knockout victory over Charlie Radtke at UFC 315 in Montreal
• Finishing ability — multiple Performance of the Night bonuses
• Canadian crowd support — massive home advantage in Vancouver
• Well-rounded skills — former kickboxing champion with strong grappling
• Team Alpha Male experience — coached elite UFC fighters including Urijah Faber
Points of Vigilance:
• Coming off tough loss — TKO loss to Neil Magny at UFC 297 in Toronto
• Experience gap — facing much more experienced veteran in Holland
• Conditioning questions — gassed against Magny after strong start
• Step up in competition — biggest test since joining UFC
Fight Breakdown
Holland’s Path to Victory: Use his experience and striking reach advantage to keep the fight standing. Avoid early exchanges where Malott may have cardio advantage and look to capitalize in later rounds if the Canadian fades.
Malott’s Path to Victory: Start fast and aggressive with Canadian crowd support. Look to pressure Holland early and avoid the later rounds where the veteran typically finds his rhythm. Utilize strong grappling if striking isn’t working.
Co-Main Event Prediction
This shapes up as a classic veteran versus prospect fight. Malott’s home crowd and recent knockout power versus Holland’s experience and activity creates compelling dynamics. Expect Holland to weather early pressure and win via decision, using his veteran savvy to capitalize on Malott’s potential cardio issues.
Main Card Supporting Fights
Manon “The Beast” Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius (Women’s Flyweight – 125 lbs)
Women’s flyweight title eliminator featuring #2 ranked Fiorot against #5 ranked Canadian Jasudavicius. Major title implications with the winner likely earning next shot at Valentina Shevchenko. Jasudavicius perfect in Canada while Fiorot bounces back from title loss.
Bruno Silva vs. Hyun Sung Park (Flyweight – 125 lbs)
Flyweight action between experienced campaigners. Silva brings Brazilian finishing instincts while Park offers Korean technical precision. Potential highlight-reel finish from either fighter.
Marlon “Chito” Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi (Bantamweight – 135 lbs)
Bantamweight veteran clash featuring former title challenger Vera against Canadian striker Zahabi. Vera’s experience should be the deciding factor in what could be a striking battle.
Featured Prelim Contests
Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober (Lightweight – 155 lbs)
Lightweight slugfest between Canadian striker Prepolec and veteran finisher Dober. Fight of the Night potential with both men known for engaging battles.
Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant (Bantamweight – 135 lbs)
International bantamweight clash featuring Canadian fan-favorite Jourdain against UK veteran Grant. Exciting striking exchanges expected from both fighters.
Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira (Strawweight – 115 lbs)
Women’s strawweight action between rising prospects. Both fighters looking to make their mark in a competitive division. Technical ground battle likely.
Event Overview and Conclusion
UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen represents the UFC’s return to Vancouver for the first time since June 2023. Despite the main event change, the card maintains strong title implications across multiple divisions.
Key Event Highlights:
- Title picture implications — Main event shapes middleweight contention
- Canadian representation — Multiple local fighters on home soil
- Women’s title eliminator — Fiorot vs. Jasudavicius for championship opportunity
- Rising star showcase — Platform for emerging UFC talent
- International flavor — Fighters from Netherlands, France, Korea, and Brazil
Overall Event Prediction
Expect a well-rounded night of MMA action with de Ridder and Fiorot likely winning their respective main events. The card should deliver 2-3 finishes and provide clarity in both the middleweight and women’s flyweight title pictures. Successful Vancouver return for the UFC with strong Canadian fan support.
Quick Links
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does UFC Vancouver: Dutch Knight’s Quest take place?
UFC Vancouver takes place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The prelims begin at 4:00 PM ET and the main card at 7:00 PM ET.
How can I watch UFC Vancouver: Dutch Knight’s Quest?
UFC Vancouver will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+. The prelims start at 4:00 PM ET and the main card at 7:00 PM ET. You’ll need an ESPN+ subscription to watch the event live or on-demand.
Who is fighting in the main event?
The main event features former ONE Championship double champion Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder (21-2-0) taking on elite grappler Brendan “All In” Allen (25-7-0) in a five-round middleweight bout with title implications.
What makes this event special for Canadian MMA fans?
This marks the UFC’s return to Vancouver for the first time since UFC 289 in June 2023. The card features several Canadian fighters including Aiemann Zahabi, Mike Malott, Charles Jourdain, Kyle Nelson, Kyle Prepolec, and Melissa Croden, creating an exciting atmosphere for local fans.
Are tickets still available for UFC Vancouver?
Ticket availability varies by seating sections and price ranges. We recommend checking the official UFC website or authorized ticket vendors for the most up-to-date availability and pricing information for the Rogers Arena event.