In the world of mixed martial arts, a champion’s accolades are often placed on a pedestal, but Brendan Allen is determined to look beyond the surface of UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis’s success. With an impressive record of 24 wins and 6 losses in MMA, and 12 wins against 3 losses in the UFC, Allen is gearing up for an important clash against Anthony Hernandez at UFC Fight Night 252. However, amid fight preparation, he does not shy away from casting doubt on the merit of Du Plessis’s accomplishments, despite the champion’s commendable tally of victories.
Allen argues that context is key when evaluating Du Plessis’s career. The champion’s record boasts victories over notable fighters such as Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker. Yet, according to Allen, the timing of these matches plays an essential role in how one should perceive these wins. He suggests that Du Plessis may have faced some of these high-caliber opponents at points when they were less than their best—either demotivated, aging, or simply past their prime.
In a sport like MMA, timing can be everything. Allen highlights a vital distinction between a fighter’s reputation and their actual performance in the cage. For instance, when evaluating Du Plessis’s victory over Adesanya, Allen mentions that the ‘Last Stylebender’ he faced is not the dominant champion who previously dismantled opponents like Paulo Costa. This critical lens reveals Allen’s belief that Du Plessis’s legacy might not shine as brightly under closer examination.
While Allen’s critique of the champion may raise eyebrows, it also reflects his own ambitions. Allen aims to ascend the rankings and face Du Plessis in the future, provided he can navigate the challenge presented by Hernandez effectively. With a past unanimous decision loss to Hernandez, Allen views this rematch not just as a bout but as an opportunity for redemption.
He maintains a confident outlook, stating that regardless of external opinions or perceptions, he will focus on what he can control: his performance in the octagon. Allen’s mindset appears unshakeable; he asserts, “If the best me shows up, I’m the best fighter in the world at middleweight.” This confidence bleeds into his preparations, indicating that he is using the criticisms of others, including those aimed at Du Plessis, to fuel his own aspirations.
In essence, Brendan Allen stands as a representative of burgeoning talent in the UFC’s middleweight division; his scrutiny of Du Plessis serves a dual purpose. It not only questions the credentials of the champion but also serves as a reminder—a call to prove oneself against a credible opponent, and a testament to Allen’s own ambitions in pursuit of greatness in the octagon. As the Fight Night unfolds, all eyes will be keenly watching to see if Allen can justify his belief in his own superior abilities.