Brendan Allen is preparing for a high risk fight against Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Vegas 118, but much of the conversation surrounding him this week has centered on a matchup that never happened.
The fourth ranked UFC middleweight revealed that he expected to face former champion Dricus du Plessis before those plans unexpectedly collapsed. According to Allen, the fight was close to being finalized before he was informed that du Plessis would not be available.
As a result, Allen turned his attention elsewhere and ultimately accepted a dangerous matchup against the unranked but surging Shahbazyan.
Allen Claims Du Plessis Fight Was Agreed
Allen did not hold back when discussing the failed negotiations.
Speaking to reporters ahead of UFC Vegas 118, he claimed a fight with du Plessis had essentially been completed before circumstances suddenly changed.
I was supposed to have Dricus for this one, but he’s a b****. Didn’t want to fight, Allen said.
When asked why he believed the former middleweight champion declined the matchup, Allen doubled down.
Because he’s a b****.
The American later expanded on the situation, explaining that he was initially told the fight had been agreed upon earlier this year before learning that du Plessis was dealing with an injury issue.
It was supposed to be a done deal in January,”Allen said. I was told it was a done deal. Me and Dricus was done and then they said he got hurt and he’s not fighting until July.
Allen admitted the situation left him frustrated, especially after seeing training footage posted by du Plessis shortly afterward.
Why Brendan Allen Accepted the Shahbazyan Fight
Despite sitting at No. 4 in the rankings, Allen chose to face an unranked opponent in Shahbazyan, a move that surprised many observers.
From a rankings perspective, the fight carries significant risk. A loss could damage Allen’s position near the top of the division, while a victory may not move him much closer to a title opportunity.
Allen, however, sees things differently.
I like money. I don’t like sitting out, he explained. Sitting out doesn’t do me no good. It’s only going to make me worse.
The 29 year old emphasized that activity remains one of the most important aspects of his career development.
I’m only getting older by the day. If I’m not really fighting, I’m not training as much or as hard. I need to stay growing. I need to stay improving. Stay relevant.
Rather than wait months for another opportunity, Allen chose to remain active and take on a dangerous opponent riding a winning streak.
Shahbazyan Presents a Serious Threat
While Shahbazyan enters the fight without a ranking beside his name, Allen has made it clear that he respects the challenge.
The former highly touted prospect has rebuilt momentum with three consecutive victories and enters Saturday’s contest with confidence.
Allen acknowledged that Shahbazyan was essentially the next available contender when other options failed to materialize.
I asked for it, Allen said. He was the next guy in line that didn’t have a fight. Everyone else had a fight or didn’t want to fight me, I guess.
The matchup gives Shahbazyan the biggest opportunity of his UFC career. A victory over the No. 4 ranked contender would instantly launch him into the middleweight title conversation.
Allen Wants to Make a Statement
Although Allen understands there may be limited rewards in the rankings, he remains determined to make an impression.
Fresh off his victory over Reinier de Ridder, he believes another dominant performance will remind the division exactly where he belongs.
if I can’t take him down in the fight, if I can’t do what I plan to do, then I’m going to beat the shit out of him on the feet, Allen said.
He also outlined the aggressive approach he intends to bring into the Octagon.
I plan to put pressure on him like crazy. I plan to go out there and just put a beating on him. I don’t plan to ever let him gain any confidence in this fight.
Allen added that he believes his experience and overall skill set will ultimately make the difference.
I think I’m tougher. I’m bigger. I’m more of a vet. I’m more skilled.
A Defining Moment for Both Fighters
The UFC Vegas 118 co main event could have major implications for the middleweight division.
For Allen, a victory would extend his winning streak and strengthen his argument for another fight against one of the division’s biggest names.
For Shahbazyan, the bout represents a chance to secure the biggest win of his career and leap into the rankings.
Regardless of what happens on Saturday night, Allen has already made one thing clear. He is tired of waiting for opportunities and intends to force his way into the title conversation, whether former champions are willing to face him or not.
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