Fight fans were surprised to see No 6-ranked middleweight contender Brendan Allen matched up against unranked veteran Edmen Shahbazyan for UFC Vegas 118 this coming June, but now we know why UFC matchmakers were left to book the 185-pound clash.
Allen, who is coming off a spectacular short-notice finish over Reinier de Ridder his last time out, was expecting to lock down a fight with former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis next. “DDP” is coming off a title-losing effort against Khamzat
Chimaev at UFC 319 last summer and appears ready to return to the Octagon in the first half of 2026. A clash between Allen and du Plessis would have made a ton of sense, but according to Allen the former UFC champion wanted nothing to do with it.
“All In” posted the following message to Instagram on Friday, accusing “DDP” of dodging a fight:
“DDP went into hiding and I’m here to fight anyone and everyone and put some money in my bank!!”
Allen, who has been part of the UFC roster since 2019, has fought almost everyone there is to fight at 185 pounds. The veteran contender has never turned down a fight offer and is simply looking to stay active, which is why he accepted a matchup with Shahbazyan this June. Allen is riding a two-fight win streak and is 8-2 overall in his last 10 trips to the Octagon, but it’s unknown at this time what a win over Shahbazyan will do for Allen’s UFC title hopes.
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