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Tag: Brendan Allen

  • Brendan Allen Argues Why Benoît Saint Denis Should Not Headline UFC Paris

    Brendan Allen Argues Why Benoît Saint Denis Should Not Headline UFC Paris

    Brendan Allen believes he, not Benoît Saint Denis, deserves the spotlight as the headliner of the UFC Paris fight card.

    The UFC is making its much-anticipated return to the “City of Lights” this weekend at the Accord Arena in Paris, exactly one year after its last event, with a Fight Night event packed with French talent.

    Headlining the upcoming event is a lightweight showdown between Renato Moicano and Saint Denis. Meanwhile, the co-main event promises fireworks as Allen faces Nassourdine Imavov in a high-stakes middleweight clash that could have serious implications in the division.

    When announcing the fights last month, UFC CEO Dana White emphasized Allen’s seven-fight win streak, positioning him on the verge of title contention. Believing his bout holds greater weight, “All In” argues that, from a competitive standpoint, his matchup carries far more significance than the Moicano vs. Saint Denis clash, which he feels lacks meaningful consequence.

    Allen On Saint Denis Headlining UFC Paris: ‘Just Put Him On The Card, People Will Still Come Watch’

    During a recent interview with MMA Fightingo, Allen voiced his frustration over not being selected to headline UFC Paris.

    “All In” admitted he felt a slight sense of disrespect, considering his fight is a potential title eliminator yet was relegated to the co-main event. He argued that the Moicano vs. “God of War” matchup should have taken the co-headliner spot, given that neither fighter holds a high ranking in the division.

    “I feel like it’s a little disrespectful to me and not just to me, but to Imavov as well,” Allen said. “Our fight has potential title implications wrapped around it, whereas this is #11 and #14 [#12], I think, if I’m not mistaken. The two guys in the main event should be the co-main event under us.”

    Allen went on to say that while Saint Denis is understandably popular in his home country, fans will show up regardless to support their fellow compatriot no matter his card position. However, the 28-year-old South Carolina native emphasized that both he and Imavov have global recognition

    “I get it, Saint Denis is super famous here, but at the end of the day, people are going to come watch the fight no matter what, whether he’s on the co-main or the main [event]. Just put him on the card—people are still going to come watch. But when it comes to worldwide MMA and fans, everyone knows me and Imavov are the real main event. I just felt, being as we’re so close to a title, one of us is obviously going to move forward into that potential opportunity. That’s why I feel like we should have fought five rounds.”

  • Brendan Allen Admits He’s Missing One Thing To Secure First UFC Title Shot: ‘That’s Not My Jam…’ 

    Brendan Allen Admits He’s Missing One Thing To Secure First UFC Title Shot: ‘That’s Not My Jam…’ 

    When it comes to fighting, UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen thinks he will have done everything possible to secure a title shot after this weekend.

    Allen is among those who’ve arrived in enemy territory to do battle with a French fighter in their home nation on Saturday night, when the UFC is set to stage its third event in Paris.

    While “All In” publicly declined the assignment at first owing to his anger at not headlining, he eventually accepted a three-round co-main event opposite a contender four places above him on the ladder in the #4-ranked Nassourdine Imavov.

    The bout comes five months on from Allen emerging victorious from a memorable rematch with Chris Curtis at the Apex, where the 28-year-old Californian was able to avenge his most recent defeat and extend his streak of triumphs to seven.

    But despite his winning form, Allen acknowledges one aspect of the game in which he falls short of others when it comes to being given an opportunity at the gold…

    Allen Cites Lack Of Social Media Following Has One Unchecked Box For UFC Title Shot

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Allen looked ahead to his second walk to the cage of 2024, which sees him competing outside of the United States for only the second time in his UFC career.

    Most fighters would expect to be in the running for a title shot after notching seven straight wins. But while that is Allen’s target should he have his hand raised to make it eight, he believes his approach to social media provides somewhat of a hurdle.

    “Ideally speaking, if I go out there and beat Imavov, especially if I finish Imavov within three rounds in his hometown, in front of his people, I think I’ve checked every single box except for one to fight for the title,” Allen said. “There’s nothing I can really do overnight to check the one other box, which is (social media) followers. I don’t know. That’s not my jam. Everything on a fighting level, I think I’ve done every single thing.”

    Regardless of his low-key presence on social media, Allen will look to negate that deficiency by letting his fighting talents do the talking when it comes to securing a first shot at championship glory on MMA’s biggest stage.

    And with the winner of next month’s UFC 308 co-headliner between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev likely to stake their claim, a strong performance at the expense Imavov is required for “All In.”

  • ‘He’s Got Russian Blood’ – Brendan Allen Unsure About UFC Paris Crowd Supporting Nassourdine Imavov

    ‘He’s Got Russian Blood’ – Brendan Allen Unsure About UFC Paris Crowd Supporting Nassourdine Imavov

    Just days after Merab Dvalishvili explained why the Nurmagomedov clan shouldn’t represent Russia, Brendan Allen has questioned the support Nassourdine Imavov would get at UFC Paris this weekend because of his Russian heritage.

    Allen is heading into the fight with one of the longest win streaks in the UFC middleweight division. On the flip side, Imavov is coming off a controversial TKO win over Jared Cannonier.

    Here’s how Allen feels about fighting in Paris against an opponent who might benefit a ton from being local…

    From Judges To Rounds, Brendan Allen Lists Things in Nassourdine Imavov’s Favor Ahead Of UFC Paris

    While talking to MMA Junkie recently, Allen opened up on Imavov not agreeing to a five-round fight with him. When asked whether it’s helpful to know that he was ready for a five-round fight while his opponent wasn’t, he laid down the more obvious advantages “The Sniper’ boasts as the local fighter.

    “Not really. I can see that point but I don’t think so. Like, end of the day, he got his way, and it’s still in his favor in his hometown, in front of his people, with probably his judges, and everything else. So, it is what it is.”

    Allen’s boldest claim was that the officials could favor Imavov if the fight goes to a decision. Before his latest split decision win against Chris Curtis, Allen submitted four opponents in a row and he might be looking to get another finish this weekend amidst the mistrust of judges.

    Allen acknowledged that he isn’t aware of Imavov’s story but pointed out that the latter was born in Russia which is indeed true. The French middleweight hails from Dagestan but moved to France at an early age. He’s been training in Paris since 19, so it makes perfect sense for him to represent France.

    “I haven’t fought on, obviously, like a crowd that’s probably going to be against me. Even though, I don’t know how they view Imavov. You know, I don’t know if they view him as a real Frenchman because obviously he’s got Russian blood I think. I don’t know his story so I don’t know exactly what he is or how they view him. But either way, they boo me, like whatever.”

    However, the American middleweight couldn’t help but question if the local crowd would support Imavov as much because of his Dagestani roots. Regardless, he doesn’t seem too bothered by finally fighting in front of a crowd after headlining multiple cards in the UFC Apex.

  • UFC Middleweight On Brendan Allen – Marvin Vettori Casino Bust Up: ‘Talk Some S**t To The Wrong Person They’ll Punch You In The Mouth’ [Exclusive]

    UFC Middleweight On Brendan Allen – Marvin Vettori Casino Bust Up: ‘Talk Some S**t To The Wrong Person They’ll Punch You In The Mouth’ [Exclusive]

    After a lot of tension between the two men due to their history where they were set to meet inside the Octagon, UFC middleweights Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori were involved in a brawl several weeks ago.

    Sources reported that the Italian fighter had gotten into an altercation with UFC fighter Tuco Tokkos which Allen then intervened in, whilst they were in attendance at a PFL event.

    The fight, which was captured on video, shows Allen going at “The Italian Dream” as both men traded blows.

    They have exchanged comments on social media and in interviews multiple times before so this beef certainly didn’t come out of nowhere.

    Zach Reese Says Online Trash Talking Isn’t For Him

    In a recent interview with MMA News, UFC middleweight Zach Reese gave his thoughts on the viral brawl between Vettori and Allen.

    The 30-year-old has got back-to-back wins in the 185-pound weight class.

    Reese believes that whilst he understands that trash-talking is a big part of the sport today, it’s not something that he likes to partake in.

    “Savage” has no problem saying what he thinks but he isn’t going to say anything that he can’t physically back up in person, as opposed to making comments from the other side of a screen.

    “I don’t believe in jumping, I think that’s what’s gone down the world is that people won’t have one-on-one fist fights anymore and you know dude, if you talk s*** on the internet, I think talking s*** on the internet’s lame as f*** to be honest man. I don’t even know the whole backstory on that or who started it or whatever but there’s something in me as like a man, it’s just I don’t like the idea of talking s*** on the internet dude, it’s kind of weird. I know it’s kind of the name of the game in MMA and it gets the fans excited and stuff but yeah, if you talk crap to somebody man then you better be willing to face the consequences or say it to their face. Talk some s*** to the wrong person, they’ll punch you in the mouth.”

    Read also: Khamzat Chimaev’s Former ‘Main Sparring Partner’ Caio Borralho Warns Robert Whittaker: ‘I Didn’t See Any Other Guy In My Life…’

  • Dana White Reacts To UFC Fighters Brawling At PFL Event With Jibe At The Rival Promotion

    Dana White Reacts To UFC Fighters Brawling At PFL Event With Jibe At The Rival Promotion

    A UFC fight appeared to break out at the venue that hosted last night’s PFL Playoffs event, as ranked middleweight contenders Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori went at it — just not in the cage.

    The scuffle took place on the casino floor of the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, immediately following the PFL card.

    There were multiple reports and videos that flooded social media in the immediate aftermath, but MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin brought out the clearest report. According to him, Vettori swung and missed at UFC light heavyweight Tuco Tokkos.

    Michael Johnson tried to step in to move everyone away, but Allen connected with a one-two on Vettori, dropping him to the casino floor.

    Video of the incident can be seen below:

    https://twitter.com/Im565097757086/status/1824685398997520868

    Dana White Takes Shot At PFL In Response To Brendan Allen & Marvin Vettori’s Post-Show Scuffle

    UFC CEO Dana White appeared to see the footage and decided to use the opportunity to take a light-herted jab at his rival promotion.

    “Had to be fight of the night if it was at PFL,” White wrote.

    Allen and Vettori were originally scheduled to square off in the main event of UFC Vegas 90 in April before Vettori pulled out of the fight due to injury. Since then, however, the two have continuously exchanged harsh words to one another.

    Allen instead rematched and defeated Chris Curtis in that main event. The win was Allen’s seventh in a row, and he is scheduled to face Nassourdine Imavov in Paris next month.

    Vettori, a former middleweight title challenger, has lost three of his last five. He has not fought since June of last year, dropping a decision to Jared Cannonier.

  • UFC Middleweight Brendan Allen: ‘I Used To Be A Big Fan Of Robert Whittaker. Not Anymore’ (Exclusive)

    UFC Middleweight Brendan Allen: ‘I Used To Be A Big Fan Of Robert Whittaker. Not Anymore’ (Exclusive)

    Several big fights are to take place in the UFC’s middleweight division following the title fight this weekend between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.

    Whilst Sean Strickland is still in the mix for a shot at either man, the outcomes of some clashes between other top contenders could reveal the next in line.

    The UFC’s return to Paris on September 28 sees #4 take on #7 in the co-main event as Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen meet for the first time.

    Though their fight would likely be a title eliminator in most circumstances, the five round co-main event of UFC 308 in October between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev also has the potential to set either man up for a shot at the belt.

    Brendan Allen Says That He No Longer Sees Robert Whittaker & Other Top Contenders The Same Way

    In a recent interview with MMA News, Allen was asked to give his thoughts on this rescheduled match-up between Whittaker and Chimaev that could have an impact on his bout with Imavov.

    When approaching the subject of the former champion, he spoke about how his opinion of Whittaker has changed over the years.

    Allen is currently riding a seven-fight win streak that puts him right in the mix with the top names at 185-pounds.

    As a result, he now sees his fellow contenders as competition rather than fighters that he is able to admire from the outside looking in.

    “I used to be a big fan of Robert [Whittaker], I’m not really anymore but I used to be a big fan. I’m just, I don’t know, it’s like maybe it’s just one of those things, how the idols become your rival type thing. Now I just like, I don’t f*** with any of y’all. I want y’all to know that I don’t f*** with any of y’all. So, I don’t know, I just mind my business and try to stay to myself just because I don’t want any problems with nobody but as soon as someone ask me something, I’m going to answer how I want to answer and then they’re going to feel some type of way and whatever.”

    Read also: VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya

  • Brendan Allen Highlights What ‘Insanely Lucky’ Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Defense Against Israel Adesanya Will Come Down To (Exclusive)

    Brendan Allen Highlights What ‘Insanely Lucky’ Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC 305 Defense Against Israel Adesanya Will Come Down To (Exclusive)

    UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen believes the result of Dricus Du Plessis’ upcoming first title defense will be determined by which version of Israel Adesanya shows up.

    Seven months on from reaching the throne with his perfect UFC record intact, Du Plessis will look to add another achievement to his ever-growing résumé on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage by successfully defending the title for the first time.

    To do so, the South African is tasked with stalling the three-time ambitions of Adesanya in the main event of Saturday’s UFC 305 pay-per-view, set for the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

    In the lead-up to his comeback from an 11-month layoff post-shock defeat to Sean Strickland, Adesanya has dismissed regaining the 185-pound gold as being his focus, instead stating that he’s back to “take heads.”

    Whatever his motivation is, Allen thinks it has to be strong enough to bring back the formidable Adesanya who got the better of names like Alex Pereira and Paulo Costa if he’s to have his hand raised on August 17…

    Allen On Du Plessis vs. Adesanya: ‘If It’s The Motivated Izzy…’

    During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Allen looked ahead to the upcoming championship contest in his division.

    The #7-ranked contender suggested the result will be determined by which iteration of Adesanya returns to action. Rejuvenated and motivated? ‘And new’. Lackluster? ‘And still’.

    “To be honest, I really don’t care (who wins). I don’t like either one of them,” Allen told MMA News. “I’m gonna watch it, of course, because I want to see. But I don’t care. I think we’ll see what Izzy comes back and how he’s been. I think that’s a big tell; what Izzy comes back. Is it a resurged, re-energized Izzy? Or is it like, ‘I don’t know if I wanna be here.’ It’s easy to talk it, it’s easy to watch it, it’s easy to fake it. But you can’t fake it when it’s fight time. That’s the only time we’ll know for sure.

    “Obviously Dricus is super confident. He’s at the height of his career. He’s insanely confident, insanely lucky,” Allen continued. “I don’t know, man. I don’t really care who wins. To me, it just depends which Izzy comes back. if it’s the motivated Izzy, I would say Izzy. If it’s the Izzy that fought like, Paulo or Alex the last time, that Izzy is a tough Izzy to beat, man. … If it’s the lackluster one, i don’t think he’s gonna win. Dricus is just gonna keep pushing the pace.”

    Allen will be hoping to book his spot opposite the winner down the line by having his hand raised at the expense of Nassourdine Imavov in Paris next month. Success in that regard would leave “All In” on an eight-fight win streak.

    But before attention on the middleweight division turns to that co-headliner in the French capital this fall, all eyes are on the impending grudge match between Du Plessis and Adesanya Down Under.

  • Brendan Allen On Long Title Run For Belal Muhammad At Welterweight: ‘A Lot Of Switches That Need To Be Flipped’ (Exclusive)

    Brendan Allen On Long Title Run For Belal Muhammad At Welterweight: ‘A Lot Of Switches That Need To Be Flipped’ (Exclusive)

    Brendan Allen watched on at UFC 304 as his long time friend Belal Muhammad finally got his shot at the welterweight title.

    The middleweight contender was incredibly happy to see the challenger get his hand raised and hear “and new”, after beating Leon Edwards over five rounds in Manchester.

    Allen, who is preparing for a big co-main event clash in Paris with Nassourdine Imavov, was able to take motivation from this as he also seeks his first title shot.

    The #7-ranked contender sees his friend keeping hold of the belt at 170-pounds as long as he’s able to lock down the mental aspects of being a champion.

    Brendan Allen Believes Belal Muhammad Will Stay Welterweight Champion As Long As He’s Motivated

    Muhammad is now set to go from hunter to hunted after chasing the welterweight title for such a long time.

    While this means he won’t be needing to call opponents out in order to climb the ladder anymore, it does mean shifting his mentality now that he has achieved his goal.

    The welterweight division isn’t short on dangerous challengers either, with the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov likely being the next man in line.

    During an interview with MMA News, Allen spoke about whether he believes his friend will be able to establish a long reign as champion by continuing his win streak.

    He said that due to knowing Muhammad well, he believes he certainly has the skills and confidence to do so but the key is staying just as motivated and hungry as he was on the way up the mountain.

    “I do, I think it’s as long as he wants it you know. As long as he’s motivated and hungry, I think he can hold it as long as he wants just because he has the skill. It’s just. I haven’t personally been in the situation of obviously being a champion yet at that level but they say there’s a lot of switches that need to be flipped in the way that you translate your thinking in order to find a different motivation and hunger. So, I think as long as he does that and continues to want it, I think he’ll be just fine. He has such a strong fight IQ, he’s good everywhere, he knows what to do and when to do it. So yeah, I really think he can.”

    Read also: ‘Belal Twitter Fingers On Point’ – MMA Fans React As Belal Muhammad & Kamaru Usman Indulge In Hilarious Social Media Feud

  • Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive)

    Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive)

    UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is not impressed by Nassourdine Imavov’s alleged decision not to share the cage over 25 minutes next month.

    Allen will head to enemy territory to throw down with a fellow up-and-comer at 185 pounds in Imavov at the Paris-held UFC Fight Night on September 28. The pair will co-headline the event, much to the American’s frustration.

    The #7-ranked contender initially publicly rejected the France assignment owing to the fact that the promotion wasn’t looking to have him and Imavov headline. Allen was evidently convinced to compete on the undercard of Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis, but he remains frustrated at one stipulation.

    With five-round co-main events becoming more common, Allen says he pushed for that against “The Sniper,” but the Frenchman refused. Having had three of his last four outings scheduled for 25 minutes, the 28-year-old is not pleased about Imavov’s apparent reluctance to prepare for the longer distance…

    Allen Tells Imavov: You Want To Fight For The Title? 5 Rounds Is How You Do It

    During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Allen looked ahead to his second Octagon appearance of 2024, which comes a few months on from his memorable victory over Chris Curtis in their barnburner at the Apex.

    That result added to “All In’s” five-round experience, and Imavov isn’t short on it himself having gone the 25-minute distance with both Sean Strickland and Roman Dolidze, as well as recently entering a fourth frame with Jared Cannonier prior to the TKO stoppage.

    Despite that, though, Allen says the three-round stipulation for the Paris co-main event is entirely down to Imavov and his team, a decision he has a firm view on.

    “Some people just need all the deck in their favor to try to win. But it’s not gonna be enough. I’m still gonna win,” Allen told MMA News. “I accepted the five rounds; I asked for the five rounds. I’ve heard the explanations but I still don’t agree or understand it. But it’s above my pay grade. I think it’s bullsh*t that 10 and 12 guys are main event over four and seven, where we have title contentions possibly surrounding our fight.

    “I think it’s kind of a b*tch move that he (Imavov) doesn’t want to accept five rounds. Even as a co-main, he doesn’t want to accept five rounds,” Allen continued. “You wanna fight for the belt? You wanna stake your claim? Like, that’s how you do it. You go out there and win a five-round fight, even if it doesn’t go five rounds. … I don’t fully understand his reasoning, but I understand their logic. Some people just need all the cards in their favor as much as possible.”

    Regardless, Allen will still be looking to deliver a standout performance in the French capital to stake his claim for a long-awaited first shot at title glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

    Having already won seven straight, perhaps the addition of the #4-ranked contender to his ever-growing résumé is the piece of the puzzle Allen needs to secure his spot opposite the champion next time out.

  • UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All

    UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All

    MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards.

    With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

    In recent days, a few notable fights were made official by the UFC or reported by reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

    A number of lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

    But it wasn’t all positive, with two fights falling through or being adjusted. For those, see below:

    And for more detailed information on one newly booked fight that may have flown under your radar between July 8 and July 14, scroll down and check out this week’s UFC Matchmaking Bulletin spotlighted fight.

    Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen – UFC Paris (September 28)

    Despite posting a social media video in which he refused to fight Nassourdine Imavov in the French capital if he wasn’t the main event, it appears Brendan Allen has agreed to a European trip for his next assignment.

    Allen (24-5) has won seven straight since a knockout loss to Chris Curtis, the most recent of which saw him avenge that setback in an Apex main event this past March. “All In” also headlined in his two previous bouts at the Las Vegas facility, with the first coming as a same-day change following the cancellation or Ryan Spann vs. Nikita Krylov.

    While he’s yet to headline inside an arena, and Benoît Saint Denis is regarded as the leading French fighter expected to feature on September 28 rather than Imavov (14-4, 1 NC), Allen still rejected the notion he should be anything but one half of the UFC Paris main event. For whatever reason, that stance has changed and the American will be heading to enemy territory, where he’s tasked with stalling the title ambitions of the #4-ranked Imavov, who has won two straight main events over Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier in 2024.

    This middleweight matchup was first reported by FightMinds.

  • Brendan Allen Rejects Paris Bout As He Won’t Fight Below Moicano vs. Saint Denis: ‘One Coming Off A Loss, One Barely Wins’

    UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen appears set to decline a trip to the French capital after being snubbed of the main event slot.

    Allen, who currently occupies the #7 spot at 185 pounds, extended his winning run to seven in his first assignment of 2024, outpointing Chris Curtis in one of the year’s best fights to avenge his 2021 loss to “The Action Man.”

    That result came in an Apex main event this past April, coming on the heels of two other main events at the low-capacity facility in Las Vegas.

    And having had a taste of being on UFC Fight Night posters, Allen is now turning down high-profile matchups if he’s not headlining…

    Allen Says No Main Event, No Deal For UFC Fight Night Paris

    During a video recently uploaded to Instagram, Allen provided an update on his current status three months on from his latest triumph inside the Octagon.

    “All In” revealed that he has been offered a top five opponent in the form of Nassourdine Imavov, with the promotion looking to have the pair do battle at the UFC Fight Night scheduled for Paris, France, this September.

    That card recently had its main event reported, with the always entertaining Benoît Saint Denis expected to headline in front of his home fans in a lightweight joust against Renato Moicano.

    Allen, however, believes he has more of a right to top spot on the lineup.

    “This is for everyone that’s asking me what’s up, when am I fighting?” Allen said. “Two weeks ago, they said Imavov in Paris. I said yes. I said I want to be main event because I’ve main evented three in a row, won all three. I’m going into enemy territory, so if we’re going to do it for all the risk, all the gain, let’s go. Main event.

    “Next thing you know, we see (Saint Denis) and Moicano are the main event. I ain’t f*cking going all the way to Paris for these two dudes to go over me. One dude is coming off a loss, the other one barely wins, bro. Nah, I’m not with it,” Allen continued. “So Imavov, if you want to fight, you want this work, whatever you want to call it, come on over to America, we’ll get it done. There’s no way we should be below these guys. I know it’s the Ultimate Followers Championship, but even though they got the followers, just put them on the card, people are going to come anyway.”

    This marks consecutive years in which Allen has rejected main events against high-ranked opponents.

    “All In” turned down a headliner against Roman Dolidze last September because he wanted a higher-ranked name. While the Georgian was #7 at the time, Allen went on to face the #13-ranked Craig.

    This occasion has seen Allen refuse a showdown with the current #4-ranked contender at 185 pounds.

    It remains to be seen who the Californian will share the cage with next, and whether his decision to turn down a top five opponent will stall his planned surge to the title.

  • UFC Vegas 44: Font vs Aldo Weigh-In Results & Preview

    Every fighter has made weight ahead of UFC Vegas 44, including the event’s headliners, Rob Font and José Aldo.

    UFC Vegas 44 takes place Saturday, December 4, 2021, from the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the main event, Rob Font (#4) will battle José Aldo (#5). Font has candidly stated that he does not believe a win here would be enough for him to earn a title shot, yet he still expects that his jab and other tools in his arsenal will be enough to get the job done nonetheless.

    On the contrary, Aldo has a “title shot or bust” mentality for the duration of his career, and this is just another chapter in that journey. With a victory here, Aldo would prefer a bout against TJ Dillashaw next before earning a second stab at the bantamweight championship.

    In the co-main event, Rafael Fiziev will take on Brad Riddell. MMA News caught up with Fiziev prior to tomorrow’s battle. One of the things Fiziev had to say ahead of tomorrow’s contest is he views this fight as a must-win if he is to secure a strong new UFC contract. If he is victorious, he would have handed Riddell his first loss in the UFC.

    Also competing on tomorrow’s card is ranked lightweights Jimmy Crute and Jamahal Hill. Hill told MMA News that he is moving on from the brutal outcome of his previous bout against Paul Craig. Tomorrow, the world will witness how the promising young light heavyweight rebounds.

    Additionally, Brendan Allen will be taking on Chris Curtis, who is coming off a big knockout win over Phil Hawes at UFC 268. Allen spoke with MMA News about how he negotiated his own UFC contract ahead of this bout, which will be against the short-notice replacement Chris Curtis.

    MMA News also caught up with Mickey Gall ahead of his main card bout against Alex Morono. Gall believes he is a bigger killer than “The Great White” and that the world will witness this for themselves tomorrow night.

    The main card for UFC Vegas 44 begins at 10:00 PM ET, with the preliminary bouts starting at 7:00 PM. The entire card will be available on ESPN, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes.

    You can find the full weigh-in results below, courtesy of UFC.com, and you check out the video of today’s weigh-ins here, courtesy of MMA Weekly.

    UFC Vegas 44 Weigh-In Results

    Main Card

    Main Event – Bantamweight Bout: Rob Font (134) vs Jose Aldo (136)

    Co-Main Event – Lightweight Bout: Brad Riddell (155.5) vs Rafael Fiziev (155.5)

    Light Heavyweight Bout: Jimmy Crute (205.5) vs Jamahal Hill (205)

    Lightweight Bout: Clay Guida (155) vs Leonardo Santos (156)

    Middleweight Bout: Brendan Allen (185.5) vs Chris Curtis (185)

    Welterweight Bout: Alex Morono (170.5) vs Mickey Gall (170.5)

    Preliminary Card

    Middleweight Bout: Maki Pitolo (184.5) vs Dusko Todorovic (185.5)

    Flyweight Bout: Manel Kape (125.5) vs Zhalgas Zhumagulov (125.5)

    Welterweight Bout: Bryan Barberena (170.5) vs Darian Weeks (170)

    Welterweight Bout: Jake Matthews (170) vs Jeremiah Wells (170.5)

    Strawweight Bout: Cheyanne Vlismas (115.5) vs Mallory Martin (115) 

    Light Heavyweight Bout: Alonzo Menifield (205.5) vs William Knight (206)

    Lightweight Bout: Claudio Puelles (155) vs Chris Gruetzemacher (156)

    Bantamweight Bout: Louis Smolka (135.5) vs Vince Morales (135.5)

    Be sure to visit MMANews.com tomorrow full for coverage of UFC Vegas 44, including all the highlights and results from the event!