Brendan Allen believes he has earned a shot at UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, and he wants the chance to avenge a loss that has been on his mind for years.
Allen (27-7 MMA, 15-4 UFC) extended his winning streak to three fights on Saturday night, defeating Edmen Shahbazyan (16-6 MMA, 9-6 UFC) by decision in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 118. Following the victory, the surging middleweight made it clear that a rematch with Strickland (31-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) is at the top of his wish list.
The two first met in November 2020, when Strickland stopped Allen in the second round. Since then, Allen has compiled a 12-3 record and worked his way back into title contention.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference, Allen said he hopes the champion gives him the opportunity to run things back.
“Man, it's hard to say. I don't think I deserve anything. I try to earn everything I get,” Allen said when asked whether he deserved a marquee matchup after his latest win. “I mean, f*ck, I hope Sean goes out here and he's the champion, so hopefully he picks me. You know, let's run this shit back. It's been six years since we fought.”
While Strickland recently suggested that a rematch with Nassourdine Imavov (17-4 MMA, 9-2 UFC) could be next, Allen argued that his performance against Shahbazyan should strengthen his own case for a title opportunity.
“I think Edmen’s a better version of (Sean),” Allen said. “He's younger, he's more technical, he's faster. So I think Edmen's a better version of him and I think I get Sean out of there. And new!”
Allen also outlined alternative paths should a title shot not materialize. He said he would welcome a matchup against Imavov, who remains one of the top contenders in the division.
“But you never know,” Allen said. “So if not, like I said, 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.”
For now, Allen's immediate focus is on recovering from the injuries he sustained in his latest outing before discussing future plans with UFC executives.
“So we'll see,” Allen said. “Right now, I'm going to go get these injuries checked. I'm going to talk with Hunter, and we'll see what's next.”
Whether the UFC grants Allen a title shot, a No. 1 contender bout against Imavov, or another high-profile matchup, the 29-year-old believes he has positioned himself firmly in the middleweight title conversation after another impressive victory.
