Brendan Allen made a emphatic statement in the middleweight division at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas, forcing Christian Leroy Duncan to tap out to a rear-naked choke in the fifth round. The submission victory over the British fighter effectively ended Duncan’s aspirations for a title opportunity and positioned Allen firmly in the championship conversation.
Dominant Display Ends Duncan’s Push
Duncan entered the bout with momentum behind his middleweight title hopes, but Allen’s relentless pressure throughout the fight culminated in the decisive submission. The third loss in 18 fights for Duncan represents a significant setback in his pursuit of contender status, leaving his title trajectory in serious doubt.
Allen, capitalizing on the victory, has begun openly calling out the division’s elite. “I think we’ll be rewarded next, I’m doing what I need to do. Where’s the champion? If not, where’s Dricus? He’s been running for a while,” Allen stated, directly challenging both UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and middleweight contender Dricus Du Plessis.
Supporting Cast Delivers
The event in Las Vegas also featured fellow British fighter Jai Herbert, a UFC lightweight, who secured victory in his co-main event bout. Herbert’s win added another strong showing for the British contingent on the card, though Duncan’s submission loss overshadowed the positive result for his countrymen.
Allen’s performance and subsequent callout suggest the American is ready for his next opportunity against the division’s top tier. With Strickland holding the championship and Du Plessis waiting in the wings, Allen has made clear he believes his recent work merits immediate consideration for title contention.