VANCOUVER, British Columbia — What started as a straightforward fight week for UFC Vancouver turned on its head when Anthony Hernandez withdrew with an injury just days before the event. The promotion wasted no time reshuffling the card, elevating Reinier de Ridder into the headlining slot against short-notice replacement Brendan Allen in a middleweight clash that suddenly carries major implications for the division.
The event takes place Saturday night at Rogers Arena and streams exclusively on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 7 p.m. ET.
De Ridder’s UFC Ascent Gains Urgency
Reinier de Ridder (21-2) isn’t easing into the spotlight — he’s been living in it his entire career. The Dutch standout made his name in ONE Championship, where he simultaneously wore titles at both middleweight and light heavyweight. That rare feat cemented his reputation internationally before he transitioned to the UFC last year.
In four UFC appearances, de Ridder has delivered exactly what observers expected: command on the ground, polished grappling sequences, and a knack for finding finishes against increasingly difficult opposition. People inside his camp say the late change didn’t rattle him. Instead, he sees it as the kind of opportunity champions seize. With the division’s title picture wide open, a dominant win could make his case undeniable.
De Ridder has also embraced the adjustment with a certain calm. Fighters often talk about “controlling the controllables,” and his focus appears locked more on execution than the name across from him. For fans who may be learning his name now, this weekend could serve as his mainstream breakthrough.
Allen Takes His Shot, No Apologies
Brendan Allen (25-7), stepping in under high-pressure circumstances, is not treating this as a courtesy appearance. A familiar name in the UFC’s middleweight tier for years, Allen has taken difficult matchups throughout his career and stayed in the rankings conversation despite some setbacks. His wrestling foundation and ability to absorb and recover from damage give him tools to withstand de Ridder’s aggressive style.
Allen has long wanted another crack at elite positioning. Facing de Ridder — with the attention of a main event and a full arena — gives him precisely that stage. A win would not only erase any doubts about his status, it could launch him back into immediate title contention. Coaches around him say he didn’t hesitate when the call came, and he’s approaching the matchup as a career-reset moment.
Stylistically, it’s a compelling contrast: Allen’s grind and durability against de Ridder’s precision and momentum. Short-notice replacements historically produce tense, unpredictable fights, and this one fits the mold.
Canadian Crowd Gets a Co-Main Event Built for Noise
The co-main event brings local energy. Canadian welterweight Mike Malott (12-2-1) steps into the cage against veteran Kevin Holland (28-14, 1 NC) in a matchup guaranteed to keep the crowd invested. Malott has been gaining steam with each outing, and fighting on home soil adds another layer to his motivation. He’ll have no shortage of support inside the building.
Holland, known for creative striking and his habit of talking mid-fight, has built a fanbase of his own in the U.S. and internationally. Matching his unorthodox offense against Malott’s composure could provide the night’s most chaotic exchanges.
The Stakes Extend Beyond Vancouver
For the UFC, the reshuffle turned into a potential storyline upgrade. De Ridder’s résumé, coupled with Allen’s hunger and willingness to step up, gives the main event a fresh narrative. With several middleweights jockeying for a title shot over the next year, a standout performance by either man could reshape the rankings conversation.
The card’s North American timing and ESPN+ exclusivity mean a large contingent of U.S. viewers will be watching closely. The UFC has leaned on Canadian cities for major events over the years, and Vancouver has proven to be one of its most reliable markets. Saturday night’s crowd is expected to be loud from the prelims through the walkouts.
Broadcast and Schedule
Platform: ESPN+
Prelims Start: 4 p.m. ET
Main Card Start: 7 p.m. ET
Venue: Rogers Arena, Vancouver, British Columbia
With the headlines altered and the stakes sharpened, UFC Vancouver now offers something the original booking didn’t: a test of readiness under new terms. De Ridder enters with momentum and championship credentials. Allen arrives with urgency and nothing to lose. By the time the cage door closes, neither man will be thinking about how the matchup came together — only about how it ends.