Brendan Allen's Refusal to Train with Reinier de Ridder: A Tale of Courtesy and Loyalty
In the world of mixed martial arts, relationships and rivalries can be complex. Brendan Allen, a seasoned fighter, found himself in a unique situation when he refused to train with Reinier de Ridder, a fellow UFC middleweight. Allen's decision was not driven by personal animosity but by a deeper understanding of the importance of respect and loyalty within the fighting community.
The story begins with de Ridder's approach to Allen, seeking collaboration ahead of their highly anticipated main event at UFC Vancouver. However, Allen's perspective shifted when he realized the lack of common courtesy extended to him by the coaches and trainers at Kill Cliff FC. Allen explained that he had been asked for every middleweight who wanted to train at the gym, but de Ridder was never included in these discussions.
Allen's frustration stemmed from the team's lack of respect and consideration. He felt that de Ridder's presence would disrupt the established dynamics within the gym, especially since Allen was already close with several 185-pound fighters in the UFC. Allen's loyalty and friendship were not something he was willing to compromise.
"I have enough friends in this division," Allen stated. "I have guys who won't fight unless they say my name. If they say my name, we're going to get it, and they all know that from the very beginning. For gold, I'll fight anyone in the world. But I'm not your friend, and I don't want to be your friend. I'm not going to disrespect you, but if you disrespect me, we'll have a problem."
Allen's perspective on the situation highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding in the fighting community. He believes in maintaining a professional distance and not crossing personal boundaries. Allen's loyalty to his close friends and his commitment to maintaining a positive environment at the gym were the driving forces behind his decision.
The relationship between Allen and the coaches and fighters at Kill Cliff FC changed after de Ridder's arrival. Allen's win over Marvin Vettori in July further solidified his desire for a fresh start. He sought a new training environment, eventually finding it in Chicago, where he worked alongside former UFC champion Belal Muhammad and his team.
Allen's refusal to train with de Ridder showcases his strong sense of personal boundaries and loyalty. While some may view this as a lack of professionalism, Allen's perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy and respectful environment within the fighting community. As the fight between Allen and de Ridder unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how their contrasting approaches to training and friendship play out.
