VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Ultimate Fighting Championship is returning to Canada this weekend with UFC Fight Night: de Ridder vs. Allen, taking place at Rogers Arena on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The event begins at 4 p.m. ET, streaming live on ESPN+. Fight fans can expect an action-packed card featuring an exciting bantamweight bout between Cody Gibson and Aoriqileng that is likely to deliver intense moments before the main events unfold.
Cody Gibson (22–11) enters the Octagon equipped with extensive experience and a reputation for toughness. Hailing from California, Gibson has faced diverse challenges throughout his career, ranging from adept grapplers to formidable knockout strikers. His effective striking, agile scrambles, and seasoned mindset allow him to navigate high-pressure situations adeptly. Since rejoining the UFC, Gibson has exhibited a calm demeanor, leveraging his fight intelligence and reach to dictate the pace and disrupt his opponents’ strategies. This matchup represents another opportunity for him to showcase that skill and strategy can prevail in a division increasingly driven by speed and raw power.
Opposite Gibson is Aoriqileng (25–12, 1 NC), a dynamic striker often referred to as “The Mongolian Murderer.” Living up to his nickname, Aoriqileng is a relentless pressure fighter known for his continuous forward motion and high output. Fans can expect his fights to be full-throttle from the first round, as he seeks to engage in exchanges that highlight his power and ability to maintain a blistering pace. With a history of formidable endurance and a strong chin, Aoriqileng aims to turn this fight into a chaotic brawl, with a victory potentially propelling him closer to the bantamweight top 15 and revitalizing his standing within the organization.
This bout is part of a stacked 13-fight card that includes a mix of international talent and local favorites. The main event features Reinier de Ridder facing off against Brendan Allen, with other notable matchups such as Kevin Holland vs. Mike Malott, Marlon “Chito” Vera vs. Aiemann Zahabi, Manon Fiorot vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Charles Jourdain vs. Davey Grant, ensuring a thrilling night for Canadian fans.
For Gibson, this fight serves as an opportunity to demonstrate that experience and technical prowess can triumph over youthful vigor and aggression. Conversely, Aoriqileng is eager to prove that his exciting fighting style can overcome the tactical approach of a seasoned veteran. Both fighters are known for their toughness and output, and their previous performances suggest that this clash could emerge as one of the event’s highlights.
As the cage door shuts in Vancouver, fans can anticipate an energetic atmosphere filled with pressure and relentless action, promising to keep audiences captivated throughout the ESPN+ broadcast.