Reinier de Ridder described his defeat to Brendan Allen as the result of a severe norovirus infection and a broken hand sustained early in the bout. Speaking via social media after UFC Fight Night 262 in Vancouver, de Ridder said he had “norovirus all week,” struggled to stand and broke his hand in Round 1, yet still “gave everything I had.” He concluded his statement by issuing a challenge to former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland for the division’s title.
Reinier de Ridder had Norovirus Against Brendan Allen
u200bThe main event on October 18, 2025, marked de Ridder’s fourth UFC appearance since joining the promotion after a dominant run in ONE Championship.