Brendan Allen Reflects on Unranked Matchup: “I’m Not a Likable Guy”

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - OCTOBER 18: Brendan Allen gears up to face Reinier de Ridder from the Netherlands in a middleweight showdown during the UFC Fight Night event at Rogers Arena on October 18, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

This weekend, Brendan Allen is set to make his first appearance of the year as he takes on unranked striker Edmen Shahbazyan in the co-main event at UFC Vegas 118, happening on June 6, 2026, at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. This matchup is particularly unexpected, considering Allen's recent victory over former two-division ONE champion Reinier de Ridder, which elevated him to the No. 5 spot in the Middleweight rankings. In contrast, Shahbazyan is currently working to reestablish himself after a challenging year.

Despite the surprising nature of the fight, Allen accepted the challenge when the UFC reached out, citing his desire to stay active and the absence of a response from Dricus du Plessis regarding a previous callout. However, Allen expressed his feelings about the matchup and his place in the sport, saying, “No, I really haven’t felt anything, to be honest.” He elaborated on the difficulties of defending his ranking, noting that he often finds himself in a position of having to prove himself repeatedly.

“This is my 19th UFC fight, I’m 14-4 in the promotion, and I’ve fought the best guys I can fight,” Allen stated, emphasizing his commitment to taking on tough opponents. He hopes that the organization acknowledges his efforts and recognizes the risks he has taken by stepping up for fights. “And when I sign the contract, I’m going to fight,” he affirmed, highlighting his dedication to the sport.

While a victory over Shahbazyan may not significantly impact Allen’s ranking, it will ensure he remains active and financially compensated, as well as keep his title aspirations alive. With an eye toward the future, Allen is hopeful that another win will finally lead to the high-stakes contender bout he has been seeking.

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