Early Morning Report: Brendan Allen understands ‘in my heart I’m much better than Sean Strickland, ‘and I believe he does too’

Brendan Allen is ending up being a severe danger in the middleweight department.

UFC Vegas 82 was another excellent night for the 27-year-old bonus offer collector. Entrusted with a fellow gifted grappler in Scotland’s Paul CraigAllen (23-5) managed a third-round rear-naked choke triumph, extending his winning streak to 6 and gathering his 3rd Performance of the Night because stretch.

Of Allen’s 6 current wins, 5 have actually come by means of rear-naked choke. The Beaufort, South Carolina local has actually just suffered defeat two times inside the octagon, beginning with the now-champion Sean Strickland in a 190-pound catchweight in November 2020. In his 9 battles ever since, Allen has actually made it clear he desires a rematch with “Tarzan” and is now closer than ever to that truth. In spite of their small talk in the time that followed, Allen has absolutely nothing bad to state about the champ now. He still thinks he’ll get redemption if approved the chance.

“I hope the UFC sees that and understands that I am the next huge thing,” Allen stated throughout the UFC Vegas 82 post-fight program on ESPN+. “I’ve remained in there with Sean. I was a lot more youthful, I was a lot more immature psychologically, and I believe I was still winning that battle.

“I simply made a bad audible, and I got captured. I’m delighted he’s the champ. Congratulations to him. I believe he’s an amusing guy like he plays the shenanigans, however all that aside, I understand in my heart I’m much better, and I believe he does too, however we’ll see what takes place.”

Strickland’s title reign has actually offered brand-new life to the department, opening things for the elite-level pillar competitors. To challenge the outspoken American will be one of the fresher faces in South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis when the 2 satisfy in the UFC 297 centerpiece in January.

Like Strickland, Du Plessis has actually been a seasonal underdog on his course to No. 1 competitor status. Versus the champ, Allen does not feel that need to alter.

“Dricus is the luckiest guy worldwide, however I do not believe he beats Sean,” Allen stated. “I believe Sean’s that guy, he begins sluggish and he begins. Stylistically, I believe Sean’s a little excessive and a little too skilled for Dricus. Dricus simply runs his mouth and he captures guys on bursts.

“But aside from [Robert] Whittaker, who has he beat the entire time in a battle? He’s constantly losing and he returns, which is excellent. He can dig deep, he’s proficient at digging deep. Congrats to him, however I do not personally believe he beats Sean. He absolutely does not beat me, so I do not fret about it.”

LEADING STORIES

Competitors. PFL’s Donn Davis promises league will be Mixed martial arts’s ‘co-leader’ after Bellator purchase, calls Dana White ‘anxious’

Relocations. PFL formally gets Bellator MMA, exposes prepare for champs vs. champs card in 2024

Wild. ‘This is HUGE for the sport’: Pros respond to PFL’s acquisition of Bellator

Mailbag. PFL gets Bellator and breaking down the future moving forward

Sidelined. UFC 295 medical suspensions: 19 requirement medical clearanceconsisting of Jiri Prochazka

Rankings. Is Bellator’s Irregular Mix the very best bantamweight worldwide?

VIDEO STEW

The MMA Hour.

Noise & & Pound.

UFC Fights We’re Thankful For.

PFL Championship Fight Week.

Complete (bare-knuckle) battle.

Volk Steak Ramen.

LISTEN UP

Response. Mixed martial arts Fighting’s Shaun Al-Shatti, Jed Meshew, and Damon Martin understand PFL’s acquisition of Bellator, and what all of it ways.

On To the Next One. Mixed martial arts Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alex K. Lee go over the matches to make after UFC Vegas 82.

MORNING MUSIC

SOCIAL NETWORK BOUILLABAISSE

Tease.

Wild.

Champs.

Oh?

Comfortable.

Sweet.

Modification.

On to something …?

Kicking.

Onward.

One last rodeo.

Oh.

What a time.

BATTLE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Marcos Rogério de Lima (21-10-1) vs. Justin Tafa (7-3, 1 NC); UFC 298Feb. 17

LAST THOUGHTS

Allen is beginning to look quite legitimate. I believe matching him versus Jared Cannonier is the relocation next.

Thanks for checking out!

EXIT POLL

If you discover something you ‘d like to see in the Morning Report, struck up @DrakeRiggs_ on Twitter and let him understand about it. Follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook