When it comes to fighting, UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen thinks he will have done everything possible to secure a title shot after this weekend.
Allen is among those who've arrived in enemy territory to do battle with a French fighter in their home nation on Saturday night, when the UFC is set to stage its third event in Paris.
While "All In" publicly declined the assignment at first owing to his anger at not headlining, he eventually accepted a three-round co-main event opposite a contender four places above him on the ladder in the #4-ranked Nassourdine Imavov.
The bout comes five months on from Allen emerging victorious from a memorable rematch with Chris Curtis at the Apex, where the 28-year-old Californian was able to avenge his most recent defeat and extend his streak of triumphs to seven.
But despite his winning form, Allen acknowledges one aspect of the game in which he falls short of others when it comes to being given an opportunity at the gold...
Allen Cites Lack Of Social Media Following Has One Unchecked Box For UFC Title Shot
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Allen looked ahead to his second walk to the cage of 2024, which sees him competing outside of the United States for only the second time in his UFC career.
Most fighters would expect to be in the running for a title shot after notching seven straight wins. But while that is Allen's target should he have his hand raised to make it eight, he believes his approach to social media provides somewhat of a hurdle.
Ideally speaking, if I go out there and beat Imavov, especially if I finish Imavov within three rounds in his hometown, in front of his people, I think I’ve checked every single box except for one to fight for the title," Allen said. "There’s nothing I can really do overnight to check the one other box, which is (social media) followers. I don’t know. That’s not my jam. Everything on a fighting level, I think I’ve done every single thing.
Regardless of his low-key presence on social media, Allen will look to negate that deficiency by letting his fighting talents do the talking when it comes to securing a first shot at championship glory on MMA's biggest stage.
And with the winner of next month's UFC 308 co-headliner between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev likely to stake their claim, a strong performance at the expense Imavov is required for "All In."
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