As the vibrant city of Vancouver, British Columbia, prepares for an electric autumn evening, the mixed martial arts world turns its attention to the Rogers Arena. On October 18, 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship descends upon Canadian soil, bringing with it a fight card that promises high drama, pivotal matchups, and a clear path to middleweight gold. This isn`t just another stop on the global fight calendar; UFC Vancouver is set to be a spectacle where rising stars solidify their claims, local heroes chase glory, and the unpredictable nature of MMA delivers fresh narratives.
The Main Event: Reinier de Ridder`s Rapid Rise and the Chimaev Challenge
Headlining the night is a compelling middleweight clash: the surging Dutch phenom, Reinier de Ridder, against the formidable Brendan Allen. De Ridder, a former two-division champion in ONE Championship, has swiftly carved out a fearsome reputation in the Octagon. His journey has been nothing short of impressive, marked by significant victories, including a dominant submission over Kevin Holland and a decisive performance against former champion Robert Whittaker in a high-profile Abu Dhabi showdown.
This Vancouver main event, however, arrives with an intriguing twist. Initially scheduled to face Anthony Hernandez, de Ridder now steps in on short notice to take on the seasoned Allen. While adaptability is a hallmark of elite fighters, de Ridder has reportedly expressed a degree of disappointment regarding this change. One might muse on the specifics of such a sentiment when a direct route to a potential title shot lies ahead. Perhaps it speaks to a champion`s meticulous preparation for a particular opponent, or perhaps, a subtle irony in finding oneself “disappointed” while on the precipice of greatness.
For “The Dutch Knight,” the stakes could hardly be higher. His name has become a prominent fixture in discussions about the middleweight title picture, with many envisioning a future collision with the undefeated champion, Khamzat Chimaev. This isn`t merely fan speculation; even seasoned professionals acknowledge de Ridder`s unique threat. Welterweight contender Gilbert Burns recently offered a candid assessment, suggesting that de Ridder might just possess the most viable path to dethroning Chimaev among his divisional rivals. “I think from the whole division, I think he’s (de Ridder) the one that has more chance,” Burns stated, highlighting a deep respect for de Ridder`s grappling acumen and well-rounded skillset – a combination that could indeed pose a formidable challenge to Chimaev`s reign.
Co-Main Event: Local Passion Meets Unpredictable Power
Adding a significant layer of excitement to the card is the co-main event, a welterweight showdown featuring the ever-active and fan-favorite Kevin Holland against Canada`s own Mike Malott. Holland, known for his relentless pace and charismatic, often unorthodox, fighting style, is always ready for a challenge. Malott, hailing from Ontario, is poised to receive an overwhelming roar of support from the Canadian faithful, elevating this contest into a true testament of hometown pride. This matchup promises an explosive display, pitting a seasoned, engaging veteran against a rising national talent hungry to make his mark.
A Stacked Card: Challengers, Prospects, and Homegrown Talent
Beyond the headline attractions, UFC Vancouver offers a comprehensive array of matchups designed to entertain from the first bell. Bantamweight contender Marlon Vera, a former title challenger with a reputation for thrilling finishes, seeks to solidify his position against Aiemann Zahabi, another Canadian fighter eager to impress on his home turf. In the flyweight division, Manon Fiorot takes on Jasmine Jasudavicius, ensuring high-level competition across various weight classes. From established contenders vying for a shot at gold to promising prospects looking to ascend the ranks, the full fight card is meticulously curated to deliver non-stop action:
- Middleweight: Reinier de Ridder vs. Brendan Allen
- Welterweight: Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott
- Bantamweight: Marlon Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi
- Flyweight: Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
- Bantamweight: Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng
- Lightweight: Kyle Nelson vs. Matt Frevola
- Bantamweight: Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant
- Flyweight: Bruno Gustavo da Silva vs. Park Hyun-sung
- Middleweight: Danny Barlow vs. Djorden Ribeiro dos Santos
- Lightweight: Kyle Prepolec vs. Drew Dober
- Strawweight: Stephanie Luciano vs. Ravena Oliveira
- Middleweight: Azamat Bekoev vs. Yousri Belgaroui
- Bantamweight: Melissa Croden vs. Tainara Lisboa
Event Details and Broadcast Information
UFC Vancouver is set to ignite the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on October 18, 2025.
For fans in the United States, the preliminary card kicks off at 4:00 PM ET / 1:00 PM PT, available live on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+. The main card action is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can tune into the preliminary card starting at 12:00 AM BST on UFC Fight Pass and TNT Sports. The highly anticipated main card will follow at 03:00 AM BST, also on TNT Sports.
With a compelling main event carrying profound title implications, a co-main showcasing the fervent energy of local Canadian pride, and a deep undercard packed with promising matchups, UFC Vancouver promises an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts. The Octagon`s latest visit to “The Great White North” is more than just a series of bouts; it`s a significant chapter in the ongoing sagas of rising stars and seasoned veterans, each vying for their moment in the spotlight and their shot at ultimate glory in the world`s premier fighting organization.
