Prediction: Reinier de Ridder via Submission
Allen’s got cleaner striking no doubt. He puts his combos together better, he’s sharper on the feet, and he’s been showing a lot more confidence lately in his kickboxing. But that doesn’t mean much when you’re constantly backing up and fighting off underhooks. De Ridder isn’t trying to win kickboxing exchanges. He’ll eat a couple shots just to grab a leg, pin you against the cage, and turn it into his kind of fight that’s ugly, heavy, and suffocating. The second he gets top position, you can pretty much feel the momentum shift constantly hunting position.
Allen’s slick on the ground too, no question — but De Ridder’s top game is different. He’s not just technically sound; he’s mean with it. He keeps that top pressure so tight that guys can’t even build space to start their sweeps or submissions. Even if Allen tries to create scrambles, De Ridder’s size and balance make that a nightmare. And if Allen starts trying to strike his way out of bad spots, he’s just giving De Ridder more chances to advance.
Allen might have moments on the feet early, but once De Ridder gets his hands on him, it’s probably a wrap. The pressure, the size, the jiu-jitsu — it all stacks too heavily in De Ridder’s favor.