VANCOUVER -- Brendan Allen stands in the way of Reinier de Ridder's audition for a UFC middleweight title shot. An impressive showcase at UFC Fight Night is paramount if De Ridder wants to improve his case for a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

De Ridder (21-2) was originally scheduled to fight Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez on Saturday, part of a spiritual sweepstakes to find Chimaev's next challenger. The other half of the equation is Nassourdine Imavov, who beat Caio Borralho last month . De Ridder is grateful that Allen stepped up on short notice, but knows a finish is crucial against an opponent less lauded than Hernandez.

"It still means something beating him," De Ridder told CBS Sports of Allen. "He had close fights with Imavov and 'Fluffy.' At least he has history with top guys. I thi

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