Several big fights are to take place in the UFC's middleweight division following the title fight this weekend between Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.
Whilst Sean Strickland is still in the mix for a shot at either man, the outcomes of some clashes between other top contenders could reveal the next in line.
The UFC's return to Paris on September 28 sees #4 take on #7 in the co-main event as Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen meet for the first time.
Though their fight would likely be a title eliminator in most circumstances, the five round co-main event of UFC 308 in October between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev also has the potential to set either man up for a shot at the belt.
Brendan Allen Says That He No Longer Sees Robert Whittaker & Other Top Contenders The Same Way
In a recent interview with MMA News, Allen was asked to give his thoughts on this rescheduled match-up between Whittaker and Chimaev that could have an impact on his bout with Imavov.
When approaching the subject of the former champion, he spoke about how his opinion of Whittaker has changed over the years.
Allen is currently riding a seven-fight win streak that puts him right in the mix with the top names at 185-pounds.
As a result, he now sees his fellow contenders as competition rather than fighters that he is able to admire from the outside looking in.
I used to be a big fan of Robert [Whittaker], I'm not really anymore but I used to be a big fan. I'm just, I don't know, it's like maybe it's just one of those things, how the idols become your rival type thing. Now I just like, I don't f*** with any of y'all. I want y'all to know that I don't f*** with any of y'all. So, I don't know, I just mind my business and try to stay to myself just because I don't want any problems with nobody but as soon as someone ask me something, I'm going to answer how I want to answer and then they're going to feel some type of way and whatever.
Read also: VIDEO: UFC 305 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya