Brendan Allen continues to build momentum in the UFC middleweight division, and he already has his sights set on a familiar target: UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
Last weekend, Brendan Allen extended his winning streak to three fights with an impressive victory over Edmen Shahbazyan. The win followed notable victories over Reinier de Ridder and Marvin Vettori, further strengthening Allen’s case as a legitimate title contender at 185 pounds.
Allen previously faced Strickland in November 2020, suffering a loss in a 195-pound catchweight bout. Since then, both fighters have evolved significantly. Strickland climbed to the top of the division and reclaimed the UFC middleweight title, while Allen steadily worked his way into championship contention.
Following his victory over Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118, Allen made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to run things back with the reigning champion.
“I don’t think I deserve anything. I earned it. I try to earn everything I get,” Allen said during the UFC Vegas 118 post-fight press conference.
“I mean, fck, I hope Sean goes out here and he’s the champion, so hopefully he picks me. Let’s run this sht back. It’s been six years since we fought. I think I was beating him going into it. If you watch our fight at different angles, you can tell he didn’t hit me with the striking. It wasn’t there.”
Allen believes he is a far more complete fighter than he was during their first meeting and is confident he would produce a different outcome in a rematch.
“So I think I get him out of there now. I think Edmen is a better version of him. He’s younger. He’s more technical. He’s faster. So I think Edmen is a better version of him, and I think I get Sean out of there. And new.”
While Brendan Allen continues to push for a title shot, he understands there are several moving parts in the crowded middleweight division. Names such as Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, Khamzat Chimaev, and Dricus du Plessis remain firmly in the championship conversation.
Still, Allen has alternatives if the Strickland rematch does not materialize.
“If not, let me and Nassourdine fight. If Nassourdine wants to sit out and wait, that’s fine. Let me fight the winner of Usman and Dricus in October, maybe early November at the worst. So we’ll see. Right now, I’m going to get these injuries checked, talk with Hunter, and we’ll see what’s next.”
One thing working in Allen’s favor is his exciting fighting style. Whether he’s grappling, striking, or engaging in all-out wars, he consistently delivers entertaining performances that resonate with fans.
Against Shahbazyan, Allen showcased that aggressive approach once again.
“He had a good game plan, play on the back foot, work the counter game, but like my coach said, if we can’t take him down, we’re going to beat him standing up.”
“Sometimes you’ve just got to be a dog and walk him down. That’s what I did. I walked him down.”
Allen also contrasted his style with Strickland’s measured approach, emphasizing that he brings a different level of intensity inside the Octagon.
“Sean won off standing on his back foot and throwing a jab, but I’m going to give you some power shots. I’m going to make it dirty.”
“It was fun. I hope everyone enjoyed it. That’s what I come to do. I come to fight. Win or lose, I’m coming to fight. I guess I’m not the most likable guy, I don’t have the most followers or any of that, but I can f*cking fight. I’m 15-4 in this promotion, and I’ve fought the best guys I can fight.”
With three straight wins and renewed confidence, Brendan Allen appears closer than ever to earning the biggest opportunity of his UFC career. Whether it’s a title fight against Sean Strickland or another top contender, Allen has made one thing clear: he’s ready for whoever comes next.
