Brendan Allen predicts that Israel Adesanya could face difficulties in his comeback if he takes an extended break from the sport.
After losing his middleweight title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in September, Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) announced he’d be taking an indefinite break.
Rising contender Allen (23-5 MMA, 11-2 UFC) cautioned Adesanya that a long pause could affect his performance upon his return.
“It’s never easy to make a comeback after an extended layoff,” Allen told ESPN. “The competition evolves rapidly, and the top contenders are getting stronger and younger.
“Depending on the duration of his hiatus, he’ll essentially need to reinvent himself just to keep up with the top athletes. It’s remarkable how quickly everything evolves and how rapidly fighters improve in such short time frames.”
Winning his last six fights, Allen called for a No. 1 contender fight following his victory over Paul Craig in UFC Fight Night 232. He identifies Robert Whittaker or Jared Cannonier as probable future opponents.
“For me, Robert Whittaker or Jared Cannonier would be the next logical opponents. Beating them, especially by finishing, would earn me a title shot,” Allen stated. “We need fresh talent in the top tier, and I believe I can bring something unique to the table with my style, age, and track record. I could shake things up. These two names are realistic for me.”
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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