A Fighter's Stand: Brendan Allen's Refusal to Train with Reinier de Ridder and the Reasons Behind It
In a bold move, Brendan Allen made it clear that he had no interest in training with Reinier de Ridder, and the reasons behind this decision are far from petty. This story delves into the complexities of fighter dynamics and the unspoken rules of the UFC.
The Unspoken Courtesy
Before their highly anticipated main event showdown at UFC Vancouver, de Ridder revealed that he had approached Allen about training together at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. However, Allen's refusal wasn't personal; it was a matter of principle. He explained to MMA Fighting that he was never consulted about de Ridder's presence at the gym, unlike other middleweights who sought to train there.
"I was asked about every middleweight who wanted to join our gym," Allen said. "They'd ask, 'Hey, are you cool with it?' When Nassourdine Imavov came, they asked me before we were even scheduled to fight. I said sure, it'd be great to have a new training partner. But after our fight, he stayed put, and then he asked, 'Hey, do you mind if I come?' Even the team asked, 'Do you mind if [he] joins?' I appreciated the respect."
But with de Ridder, there was no such courtesy. Allen felt disrespected, not by de Ridder himself, but by the lack of consideration shown by the coaches and trainers.
Friendship and Loyalty in the Octagon
Allen's decision was also influenced by his existing relationships with other UFC middleweights. He already had a close-knit group of friends and allies in the division, and he wasn't interested in adding another potential rival to the mix.
"I have enough friends in this division," Allen stated. "I have guys I won't fight unless they call me out. If they say my name, we'll settle it. For the gold, I'll fight anyone. But I'm not your friend, and I don't want to be. I won't disrespect you, but I won't help you either."
The arrival of de Ridder at Kill Cliff FC changed the dynamics within the gym, and Allen felt the need for a fresh start. He moved to Chicago to train with former UFC champion Belal Muhammad and his team, seeking a new environment and a loyal crew.
"I'm loyal to my friends, especially the close ones," Allen explained. "I might be too loyal at times. Aung La [N Sang] fought de Ridder twice and lost. At the time, he was my good friend. We spent time together, knew each other's families. Then de Ridder beat my friend Gerald [Meerschaert] in a close fight. I've known Gerald for a long time, and I felt I had to show de Ridder what's what."
The Fight and the Future
As Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez withdrew due to injury, Allen stepped into the main event spotlight, ready to prove his worth against de Ridder. He's been eyeing this showdown for a while, and now he gets his chance to demonstrate his skills.
"He's not impressive," Allen asserted. "There's no 'it' factor. I don't see any talent or potential in him."
And so, the stage is set for a highly anticipated fight, with Allen determined to make a statement. But here's where it gets controversial: Do you think Allen's decision to refuse training was justified? And what impact will this have on their upcoming fight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
