Brendan Allen thinks the UFC middleweight division is in a strange spot after Sean Strickland took the title from Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.
Allen, who trained alongside Chimaev (15-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) for his part of his camp prior to the split decision defeat to Strickland (30-7 MMA, 18-7 UFC) this month, thinks the weight class could go in a lot of directions in the fallout of the title change.
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The big question is seemingly whether Chimaev will be granted his wish for a rematch against Strickland after his first MMA loss, or if he will follow through with a move up to light heavyweight. That decision will impact everyone including Allen, who has a key fight vs. Edmen Shahbazyan at UFC Fight Night 278 on June 6 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas (Paramount+).
“I think we’re in a crazy position and everyone’s just waiting for the bosses to say what avenue they’re going to go. I’m kind of caught,” Allen told MMA Junkie Radio. “I think Khamzat deserves a rematch. It was a super close fight based on statistics. I had him winning, but I could also be (biased). It was obviously still a close fight because it was a split decision. I would say he should get a rematch, but I also think Nassourdine (Imavov) has earned No. 1 contender. It’s a super tough spot.
“If it was me, and it’s way above my pay grade, but I think you give Khamzat the rematch, depending on timeline. I think Khamzat is already ready. It’s just up to Sean at this point. Then you make Nassourdine me vs. if I win.”
No matter the direction the UFC brass opts to go, Allen said he knows he won’t be part of the conversation unless he gets past Shahbazyan. He’s current No. 6 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie middleweight rankings and going up against an unranked opponent, she Allen knows he must deliver an emphatic performance.
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“I think I can get him out of there,” Allen said. “He’s a good opponent. He’s a young, talented guy and I’ve just got to go in there and do what I need to do and get him out of there. That’s what it’s all about. He’s getting a crack a top five. He’s not even in the top 15, and he’s getting a crack at the top five. That’s super motivating. I never personally had that, but I know it’s got to be super motivating. So I know he’s coming to kill.
“I’m ready for that. I’m ready for everything he brings to the table. I just think I’m better. If you think you’re the best in the world then you’ve got to go prove it, and that’s kind of where my mindset is. I think I’m the best in the world and I need to go prove it. Then after that we sit down and see what’s next. But all eyes, all focus is on Edmen and doing it in a dominant fashion.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Brendan Allen: Khamzat Chimaev deserves UFC rematch vs. Sean Strickland
