LAS VEGAS – Brendan Allen anticipates a shot at the middleweight championship after a convincing victory over Paul Craig, securing his sixth consecutive win at UFC Fight Night 232.
Allen (23-5 MMA, 11-2 UFC) displayed another commendable performance when he choked out Craig (17-7-1 MMA, 9-7-1 UFC) in the third round of their middleweight headliner at the UFC Apex. Allen is on a streak of rear-naked choke victories against his last four opponents, and he wasted no time in calling for a title eliminator after the match.
The 27-year-old reiterated his ambition during the post-fight press conference, expressing a desire to secure a spot at the historic UFC 300 card next year.
“Whoever Mick (Maynard), Hunter (Campbell) and Dana (White) say, that’s who we’re fighting,” Allen told MMA Junkie and other reporters. “Whoever they say, ‘When you win this, you’re guaranteed a title shot.’ That’s who I’m fighting. Name doesn’t matter. I’ve worked so hard to get here. I’ve sacrificed so much to get here in my personal life and every other part of my life.
“Come April, hopefully around that time, hopefully UFC 300 – I’m coming. I’m coming. 2024, and new (champion). I stand by that.”
The biggest question heading into the fight was how well Allen and Craig would handle each other’s ground games. While they entered with a combined 11 octagon finishes by submission, Allen effortlessly put the question to rest with a dominant performance, controlling the ground for seven minutes and 58 seconds before claiming victory with a chokehold.
As Allen looks to the future, he remains confident that his best years are yet to come and that the UFC title is well within his grasp.
“I haven’t even hit my prime yet,” Allen said. “The best years, the best moments are still to come. I’m just trying to take it one step at a time, enjoy every moment, be in the moment. Because this could all be gone tomorrow.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 232.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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