“Belal, I’ve known for forever – I think he’s the best welterweight in the world. He was the champion (and) I think he’s going to be the champion again,” he said.
“So to have him there and pick his brain because, again, he’s been around the block a couple of times, and he’s been at the height of the sport. So to have him and learn from him, it just kind of feels like old times, but in a more refined way.”
Hearing him speak ahead of fight night, it’s clear that this is a fight that Allen has wanted and has been playing out in his mind for much longer than just the last month. He knows de Ridder’s style and feels that, where it matters most, he has the edge.
UFC VANCOUVER PRE-FIGHT INTERVIEWS: Reinier De Ridder | Brendan Allen | Manon Fiorot | Jasmine Jasudavicius | Kevin Holland | Mike Malott | Marlon Vera
“I feel like he’s the same guy that we’ve seen from ONE. He hasn’t really changed much,” he said
“He has more confidence, maybe in the striking, but I think what he does well is he builds confidence very easily. He needs a little bit of a positive to build that confidence, which is good, but he’s not gonna get that with me.
“I’m better striking, I’m faster, I’m not bigger, but I’m stronger. I guarantee you, I’m stronger when he grabs me. I’m way faster, I think I’m way more technical. I’m definitely way more of a vet – I’ve fought way better guys, the highest level. So I just think I’m going to be too much everywhere.