LAS VEGAS – Brendan Allen thinks he’s one struggle from a shot on the middleweight championship after dominating Paul Craig for his sixth consecutive win at UFC Struggle Evening 232.
Allen (23-5 MMA, 11-2 UFC) delivered one other assertion efficiency on Saturday when he choked out Craig (17-7-1 MMA, 9-7-1 UFC) within the third spherical of their middleweight headliner on the UFC Apex. He’s now put away his previous 4 opponents by rear-naked choke, and afterward referred to as for a title eliminator.
The 27-year-old doubled down on that notion throughout the post-fight press convention, and expanded by asking for a spot on the historic UFC 300 card subsequent yr.
“Whoever Mick (Maynard), Hunter (Campbell) and Dana (White) say, that’s who we’re preventing,” Allen advised MMA Junkie and different reporters. “Whoever they are saying, ‘Once you win this, you’re assured a title shot.’ That’s who I’m preventing. Title doesn’t matter. I’ve labored so exhausting to get right here. I’ve sacrificed a lot to get right here in my private life and each different a part of my life.
“Come April, hopefully round that point, hopefully UFC 300 – I’m coming. I’m coming. 2024, and new (champion). I stand by that.”
Coming into the struggle, the largest query can be how Allen and Craig would deal with one another’s floor video games. They entered with a mixed 11 octagon finishes by submission, however when it was throughout, there was no thriller about who was the higher man.
Allen racked up seven minutes and 58 seconds of floor management time earlier than locking up the fight-ending choke, and in his thoughts, that settled all of the discussions.
“Have a look at his face and have a look at mine,” Allen stated. “We’ve seen who’s bought the higher grappling. I believe we answered that query.”
Allen has by no means been brief on confidence, however now he’s getting the wins and recognition that lets the world understand it’s not misplaced. He solely expects his profession to get higher from right here, and sees the UFC title inside his attain.
“I haven’t even hit my prime but,” Allen stated. “The very best years, the most effective moments are nonetheless to come back. I’m simply attempting to take it one step at a time, get pleasure from each second, be within the second. As a result of this might all be gone tomorrow.”
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