UFC Edmonton last night was the first event to feature the new rules regarding what’s considered a ‘grounded opponent’ – so it’s only fitting that Arnold Allen was in attendance.
The British fan-favorite would have likely beaten undefeated Russian Movsar Evloev earlier in the year had the new rule changes been in effect – but that’s all in the past, so what’s ‘Almighty’ got planned for 2025?
Arnold Allen offers update on his UFC return as he took a trip out to Edmonton
After suffering back-to-back losses to Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev, Arnold ‘Almighty’ Allen bounced back in a big way with an impressive unanimous decision win over Giga Chikadze at UFC 304 in the summer.
The popular featherweight was in attendance for UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Albazi last night, taking the opportunity to sit down with reporters after the event to discuss when and where he’d like to make his return to action.
“I’m definitely looking for a fight, I was hoping to fight in December-time but that’s not really realistic at this point… I’m heading over to the PI after this to fix a couple of injuries, but it shouldn’t be anything major and hopefully, I get out in the first quarter of next year.”
One name who has been repeatedly mentioned as a potential next opponent is former interim featherweight champion and ever-dangerous top contender, Yair ‘El Pantera’ Rodriguez.
Whilst Allen would love the chance to face the Mexican superstar in his next fight, ‘Almighty’ did seem a little hesitant at the suggestion that they could throw down in Mexico City.
“Yeah, that would be a great fight, but I’ve heard that they’re going to London in March as well – the altitude in London is great so logistically that would be a lot better.
“Ah man, well I think I’d win it but the guy’s really good, he’s been at the top for a long time, sniffing around that [title] area for a long time and he’s so dangerous, you can never count him out… He’s elite and I think that I’m up there too, that kind of fight would prove it.”
Rodriguez himself recently stated that Allen was one of two fighters in his crosshairs along with Diego Lopez, but he wasn’t the only one who the British power puncher mentioned as a potential next opponent.
“I think with the position that I’m in [in the rankings], anyone above me but yeah, Yair’s been talked about a lot and [Brian] Ortega is a guy that’s been talked about – after Holloway, I asked for either Yair or Ortega… I’m sure they’re looking at it [as] more realistic now.”
Speaking of Max Holloway; Allen also noted that he wasn’t surprised with the outcome of the recent featherweight title showdown with Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
“Yeah, it was very good [but] to be honest, I felt that style-wise he would get the win, and I wasn’t too surprised that he was able to knock him out.
“Max was leaving [exchanges] very tall when he was coming out [so] his head was in the air and I didn’t like it – also, he’s got the most significant strikes received and that’s going to add up, as tough as you are.”
At the time of writing, Arnold Allen remains the #7 ranked featherweight in the world, with Rodriguez retaining the #4 spot and Brian Ortega occupying the #6 ranking.