Brendan Allen, a teammate of Khamzat Chimaev, says that he deserves the chance to rematch UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
Chimaev lost his belt by split decision to Strickland at UFC 328. In the aftermath of the bout, Chimaev first told UFC president Dana White he was moving up to 205 lbs after a brutal weight cut to 185 lbs. But he later changed his mind and said he is staying at 185 lbs, telling the UFC he wants the rematch. His teammate agrees that he should get the chance to fight for the belt again.
Brendan Allen Explains Why Khamzat Chimaev Deserves a Rematch
Speaking to MMAjunkie.com in a recent interview, Allen said that, because the fight was so close, Chimaev should get another crack at Strickland. And if that happens, then Allen is hoping he gets a rematch against top contender Nassourdine Imavov, who would be the odd man out if Chimaev gets the rematch with Strickland.
“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. 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,” Allen said.
“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.”
Brendan Allen Fighting Unranked Foe
Allen, who is the No. 4-ranked middleweight in the UFC, returns to the Octagon on June 6 at UFC Vegas 118 against Edmen Shahbazyan, who is teammates with Strickland at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas.
When this fight was first announced, a lot of fans were surprised that Allen accepted a fight against an unranked fighter, considering he is coming off a TKO win over Reinier de Ridder. But despite Shahbazyan being an unranked opponent, Allen knows that he can’t look past him.
“I think I can get him out of there. 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,” Allen said.
“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.”
Teammate: Khamzat Chimaev Deserves Sean Strickland Rematch