Who’s #8? Brendan Allen’s next opponent
With his win over Chris Curtis, Louisiana’s own Brendan Allen extended his win streak to seven and avenged his last loss in the process.
Now Allen is looking to step it up and go for eight straight win while making a move for the top of the rankings.
Here are the top three options.
Brendan Allen vs. Sean Strickland 2
If Brendan Allen is in the business of avenging his past losses, Sean Strickland is next. Allen and Strickland fought in 2020 which Strickland won via TKO in the second round. Strickland, of course, went on to win the UFC middleweight title in a stunning upset of Israel Adesanya. Allen was part of that title run.
Now Strickland is the number one contender having just lost his title to Dricus Du Plessis. Adesanya is rumored to face Du Plessis later in the year and Robert Whittaker is booked to face Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia. Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov are reported to be in negoations ans well. Allen is ranked sixth and could be an option for Strickland who accepts any fight given to him, seemingly.
Rebook Marvin Vettori
UFC Vegas 90 was originally supposed to be Brendan Allen vs. Marvin Vettori before Vettori had to withdraw. Rebooking that for when Vettori is recovered could be another play for Allen and the UFC. Vettori is ranked fifth and we could see Allen jump him in the upcoming rankings panel but Allen is still missing that quality win the UFC looks for when a title push is in the works. Marvin Vettori is that for Brendan Allen.
With Vettori formerly challenging for the title, that win would mean something for Allen. He’s also a tough and frustrating fight for anyone. If Allen jumps him in the rankings, there could be incentive for Vettori to take the fight again. Plus there’s no love lost between the two.
Allen wtf u calling for the title man you look like dog shit got rocked every single round and prayed you were getting the takedown just to hang in there
That shit was embarrassing— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) April 7, 2024
Paulo Costa, mtfk
In the same vein of quality wins, Paulo Costa is my third pick. If Brendan Allen can take down Paulo Costa, who is coming off of a close loss to Robert Whittaker, could be that win. Costa is ranked seventh in the current UFC rankings but a win over him pulls more weight than his ranking suggests.
Costa is chaotic and fought incredibly well against Whittaker. Allen could be tested to see if he can handle the division’s heavier hitters in a fight with Costa. On the opposite end, Paulo Costa could get an opportunity to fight a (potential) top five contender and get his name back in the running for a title.
