The #4 Middleweight Fought an Unranked Guy, And It's a Total UFC Travesty

Okay, Seattle, we gotta talk about UFC Vegas 118. Yeah, some wild first-round finishes went down, and Gabriel Bonfim landed a huge win over Belal Muhammad, but seriously, can we talk about Brendan Allen? Our guy put on a clinic, securing a clear decision victory over Edmen Shahbazyan in the co-main event, and yet, the whole situation is just wrong. Straight up weird.

What Are We Even Doing Here?

Let's be real, Allen's performance at UFC Vegas 118 was a statement. He and "The Golden Boy" traded blows for two rounds. While Allen started strong, Shahbazyan landed some better shots by the end of the first five minutes. But then, boom, Allen’s power kicked into gear. He picked Shahbazyan apart, dismantling him for that clear decision win. The problem isn't his performance. The problem is Brendan Allen, ranked No. 4 in the UFC’s middleweight rankings, was even in this position! Shahbazyan came in on a three-fight win streak, sure, but he's miles away from his 2019 "top prospect" days. Honestly, many people say he shouldn’t even be sniffing the rankings right now. It makes no sense.

This Dude Deserves A Title Shot, Period.

Remember October, UFC Vancouver? Allen stepped up on super short notice, filling in for an injured Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez against Reinier de Ridder in the main event. Everyone expected RDR, a former ONE champion, to walk through Allen for a middleweight title shot. But Allen? He showed up game. De Ridder got a takedown in the first round, sure, but Allen saw that gas tank emptying fast. He got on top in the second round and wore RDR down until the guy quit on his stool. A dude quitting on his stool? That's the kind of statement that should put you in serious talks for a title shot! Especially since de Ridder versus Hernandez was set up as a title eliminator, and that other eliminator, Imavov versus Borralho, was a total 'stinker.' Instead, the UFC waited for Hernandez to get healthy. He then lost to Sean Strickland, which led to Strickland upsetting Khamzat Chimaev for the title at UFC 328. That UFC 328 bout was a classic, no doubt. But Allen goes from beating a title contender on short notice, wins that fight, and then seven months later, gets booked against an unranked fighter? Come on! People might talk about his style, low fight IQ moments, or his interviews, but the guy is a top-five fighter. His losses to Hernandez, Imavov, Strickland, and Chris Curtis? Not terrible by any means. He deserves respect and a real opportunity.

So, what's next for Brendan Allen? The division is a mess with questions: Is Chimaev really going to light heavyweight? Are we getting a Strickland versus Chimaev rematch? If Dricus Du Plessis wins his rumored fight against Kamaru Usman, are we stuck with a trilogy bout between Strickland and Du Plessis, who has beaten Strickland twice already? Look, you simply cannot keep a fighter like Allen sidelined. He has done the UFC a solid by stepping up, taking risks, and proving he belongs at the top. If he earns a title shot next, amazing. If not, he absolutely deserves a title eliminator. Match him up with Imavov again, or the winner of DDP versus Usman. Even a revenge match with Hernandez or a clash with Caio Borralho would be better. Allen has earned his spot, now it's time for the UFC to give him the chance to prove it even further. Give the man what he's earned!

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