UFC Vegas 82: UFC Apex; Las Vegas, Nevada
A surging and focused Brendan Allen is climbing the 185-rankings, and has his eyes set on a gold strap. Giving praise to his team post-fight, he said he was hunting for a number-one contenders fight. Although, the tip-top of the division does need to settle itself, he didn’t mention one particular name. But we’ll get to that soon enough.
All week Brendan Allen said he would be able to break Paul Craig down. And it only took him 38-seconds into round-three to succeed in doing that, grabbing his 14th-submission. The bloody Scotsman tapped to a rear-naked choke.
Early on Allen tried to get inside the range of the former light heavyweight. They went to the mat in the opening frame, as Allen got top control. The duo had a great grappling display of back and forth submission attempts. The former DANA WHITE CONTENDER SERIES alum opened a small cut near Craig’s right eye, and that was the beginning of the end.
Both rocked each other opening round-two before it went right back to the ground. Allen was on top hammering away and looking for subs. Craig who is comfortable on his back was in control of Allen’s legs though and accepted being on bottom instead of fighting to get back to the feet.
Allen opened the middle frame applying massive pressure and a combo and left hand stung Craig. Allen quickly looked for a guillotine, got Craig’s back and locked in the RNC as referee MARK SMITH jumped in to waive the fight off.
Brendan Allen Climbing The Ladder Differently Now
The 27-year old has now won six-in a row and has four-straight finishes. The confidence he has now is in part to the help of a sports psychologist. Which is a highly under valued part of one’s team. At the same time, total belief can be a bit premature. Like thinking he’s one or two fights away from the strap. Yes, he’s top-10 and climbing; but there’s a queque already formed.
Khamzat Chimaev with his high pace and aggression would make for a fun fight right now. Allen would have a big advantage on the mat, but it would be interesting to see if he could control the stronger man down there. Allen does have solid compact boxing as well, so he’s no slouch on the feet. But his chin has not been tested with the ferocity that would be coming at him.
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