In a highly anticipated matchup at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, Brendan Allen showcased his skills and proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. With his sixth consecutive victory, Allen delivered a dominant performance from start to finish, ultimately securing a submission win over Paul Craig via a rear-naked choke in the third round.
Allen’s performance was nothing short of impressive. Throughout the fight, he displayed excellent striking and ground control, leaving no doubts about his capabilities as a well-rounded fighter. According to UFC Stats, Allen out-landed Craig 51-10 in total strikes and maintained control for a significant portion of the bout, accumulating an impressive 8 minutes and 11 seconds of control time.
Immediately after his victory, Allen wasted no time in making his intentions known. He called for a shot at the No. 1 middleweight contender, stating that he believes he has earned and deserves the opportunity. While he acknowledged he is prepared to fight anyone the UFC puts in front of him, he specifically mentioned the likes of Robert Whittaker, Jared Cannonier, and Khamzat Chimaev as potential opponents.
Allen’s confidence in his abilities is evident, and his desire to face top-ranked competitors is a testament to his hunger for success. Despite not having faced any top-five ranked opponents apart from Sean Strickland, the current middleweight champion who defeated Allen via TKO in 2020, Allen’s impressive winning record and finishing rate in the UFC solidify his case for a shot at the top.
Although Allen expressed his disappointment in facing Paul Craig, who was ranked below him, the matchup served as a perfect opportunity for him to demonstrate his skills against a dangerous submission specialist. Allen showcased his striking prowess, repeatedly landing damaging blows on Craig and even causing a visible cut above his right eyebrow with a well-placed elbow in the first round.
While Craig’s ground game is well-respected, Allen showed no fear or hesitation in engaging in grappling exchanges. Despite Craig’s best efforts, he was unable to gain a significant advantage on the ground, as Allen effectively shut down his offense and maintained control for the majority of the fight.
Brendan Allen has never been one to shy away from setting ambitious goals. Even before his bout against Paul Craig, he expressed his desire to face more prominent names in the division. With his dominant victory and impressive performance, Allen has undoubtedly positioned himself as a legitimate contender in the middleweight division.
As the current champion, Sean Strickland, prepares to defend his belt against Dricus Du Plessis, the middleweight landscape is poised for potential changes. With his sights set on the No. 1 contender spot, Allen will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the outcome of that matchup, eagerly awaiting his opportunity to prove himself against the best in the division.
Brendan Allen’s dominant victory over Paul Craig showcased his skills and earned him a well-deserved call for a No. 1 middleweight contender fight. With his exceptional performance and relentless drive for success, Allen has solidified himself as a true threat in the division. It is only a matter of time before he gets the chance to prove himself against the top-ranked fighters and vie for the middleweight title.
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