A Tale of Unfulfilled Courtesies: Brendan Allen's Refusal to Train with Reinier de Ridder
In a surprising revelation, Brendan Allen has shared his reasons for declining a training partnership with Reinier de Ridder, and it's a story that goes beyond mere fighter rivalry.
As the main event at UFC Vancouver approached, de Ridder revealed that he had approached Allen about training together at Kill Cliff FC in Florida. Allen's refusal sparked a chain of events that exposed a deeper issue within the gym's culture.
'A Lack of Respect'
Allen explained to MMA Fighting that he had been consulted about every middleweight fighter who wanted to join their gym. The team would ask for his approval, and he would grant it, understanding the value of diverse training partners. However, when it came to de Ridder, Allen was never even informed of his presence, let alone asked for his opinion.
"I was never asked anything about [de Ridder]. I felt disrespected. It wasn't about de Ridder himself, but about the lack of common courtesy shown by the coaches and trainers," Allen said.
'Friends in the Division'
Allen's decision was also influenced by his existing relationships within the 185-pound weight class. He already had close connections with several UFC fighters and didn't want to add another potential rival to his list of friends.
"I have enough friends in this division. I make it clear to them that if they mention my name, we're fighting. For the gold, I'll fight anyone, but I draw the line at helping out potential opponents."
'A Change of Scenery'
The arrival of de Ridder at Kill Cliff FC seemed to shift the dynamics within the gym, and Allen felt the need for a fresh start. He chose to train with former UFC champion Belal Muhammad and his team in Chicago, a decision he believes was necessary for his growth.
"I'm loyal to my friends, and sometimes it can be a double-edged sword. I felt a certain responsibility to my friends who had lost to de Ridder, and I wanted to prove a point. But I'm not one to pretend to be friendly when I'm not. I speak my mind, and if you ask for my opinion, you get it, whether you like it or not."
'A Main Event Opportunity'
When Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez had to withdraw due to injury, Allen stepped up to the main event, ready to showcase his skills against de Ridder. He has been eyeing this match for some time, confident in his abilities.
"De Ridder doesn't impress me. He lacks that 'it' factor that makes a fighter stand out. I see no reason to fear him."
And so, the stage is set for a highly anticipated main event, with Allen determined to prove his worth and settle any lingering disputes.
