UFC's #4 Middleweight Won. Again. So Why Is Brendan Allen Still Fighting Nobodies?

Alright, Seattle, we gotta talk about this, because what happened at UFC Vegas 118 is just wild. Brendan Allen, our guy, the No. 4 ranked middleweight in the freaking UFC, just got another clear decision victory. And honestly? It's making my blood boil. The man is a legitimate contender, but the UFC is treating him like a prelim fighter who needs to prove himself. We watched him pick apart Edmen Shahbazyan last night, but here's the kicker: Shahbazyan shouldn't even be sniffing the rankings right now! What is going on? Allen is clearly owed a much bigger opportunity, and the fact he's still fighting unranked guys after what he's done is an absolute joke.

Seriously, What Was That Matchup?

Let's break down UFC Vegas 118 for a second. Yeah, there were some big finishes, and Gabriel Bonfim got a major win, but how did Brendan Allen, the No. 4 contender, end up in the co-main event against Edmen Shahbazyan? Shahbazyan was on a three-fight win streak, sure, but he's nowhere near his 2019 top prospect days. Allen, meanwhile, is at the top of the division. They traded blows early, with Shahbazyan landing some decent shots in the first round. But Allen's power just picked up, and he absolutely carved up "The Golden Boy" for a clear decision. It wasn't a bad performance from Allen, not at all, but the situation? Totally bizarre. This man deserves more than just getting past someone who most folks say shouldn't even be ranked.

Remember UFC Vancouver? The UFC Doesn't.

This isn't some new slight either. Think back to October, UFC Vancouver. Allen stepped up on short notice, filling in for an injured Anthony Hernandez against Reinier de Ridder. Everyone was expecting RDR, a former ONE champion, to walk through Allen and head straight for a middleweight title shot. But Allen was game! De Ridder got a takedown in the first, but Allen saw through that gas tank. He got on top in the second round, wore RDR down, and de Ridder actually quit on his stool. That's right, he QUIT ON HIS STOOL! De Ridder versus Hernandez was supposed to be a title eliminator! So Allen basically won a title eliminator on short notice, then the UFC waited for Hernandez to get healthy. Hernandez then lost to Sean Strickland, who then upset Khamzat Chimaev to win the title at UFC 328. Meanwhile, another supposed title eliminator, Nassourdine Imavov versus Caio Borralho, was a complete stinker. Allen's performance deserved a title shot conversation, especially when you see how the actual title picture played out. It's truly wild.

What's Next For Our Guy? Anything But More Sidelines.

Look, some people might not love Allen's fight style or his interviews. Some might point to "low fight IQ moments." But as a top-five ranked fighter, he deserves respect. His losses to Hernandez, Imavov, Strickland, and Chris Curtis? Those aren't "terrible" losses by any stretch. He's earned his spot. So, what's next? The division has questions: Is Chimaev moving up to light heavyweight? Are we getting a Strickland versus Chimaev rematch? Is Dricus Du Plessis going to beat Kamaru Usman in that rumored matchup, potentially setting up a Strickland versus Du Plessis trilogy (remember, DDP beat Strickland twice!)? Whatever the chaos, Allen can't be kept on the sidelines anymore. He's proven himself. Give him that title shot he’s earned. If not, then at least a proper title eliminator. Rematch Imavov, give him the DDP versus Usman winner, or even a shot at revenge against Hernandez or Borralho. The man did the UFC a favor, proved himself, and took a big risk. Now it’s their turn to deliver.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.