Let’s take a look at what could be next for Allen, along with the other standout winners on the night.

Brendan Allen

“All In” Allen’s last loss was back in 2021, and you’d have to go back six fights to get there. The 27-year-old has put on an incredibly impressive streak of performances, scoring a rear-naked-choke win in four of his last four fights, tying the longest active submission record.

There is no doubt that since that loss to Chris Curtis two years ago, the Louisiana product has improved leaps and bounds, and now finds himself ranked in the top 10 at 185lbs, above the aforementioned “Action Man”.

Allen is now in a position where he is knocking on the door of the top five, in a division that has seemingly been screaming out for new title contenders for the past few years. The submission artist has already shared the cage with the current champion, Sean Strickland, in which he was finished, but that was going back to 2020. Strickland will defend his title against Dricus Du Plessis, who you could say would be a favourable matchup for Allen and his grappling upside.

With the rest of the top five already being booked into fights, there is one name that stands out more than most for me, and that is, Marvin Vettori.

The Italian is seemingly struggling to find a fight and this one makes perfect sense. He is coming off a loss to Jared Cannonier and needs to defend his ranking.

Allen’s Next Fight: Marvin Vettori 

Michael Morales

When thinking of the most impressive prospects in the UFC, Michael Morales must be a name that comes very close to the top of the list.

The 24-year-old now boasts a professional record of 16-0, with four of those coming under the UFC banner. Jake Matthews proved to be his toughest outing thus far, but the Ecuadorian showed a different side to his style, and proved to be the better fighter over a technical three rounds.

That is now back-to-back wins over fighters with 15 or more UFC fights, providing the youngster with integral experience.

Despite being just 24-years-old, it seems as though Morales is ready for the next step in his UFC tenure. There are several fighters inside the top 15 who make sense for him moving forward.

Of course, when talking about welterweight prospects who are nearing the rankings, Neil Magny’s ears must run hot. “The Haitian Sensation” is already booked to fight Canadian prospect, Mike Malott though.

The occupant of rank 15 though, is someone Morales has been slated to fight previously but due to injury, he had to withdraw from the scheduled bout. Rinat Fakhretdinov could make a lot of sense again now, being as though he sits upon a ranking that Michael Morales could be coming for.

Morales’ Next Fight: Rinat Fakhretdinov  

Chase Hooper

“The Dream” Chase Hooper marked his second lightweight outing with another extremely impressive performance. In this one, he had to face some early adversity when he was rocked with some heavy Leavitt ground-and-pound. From there though, he was able to win the grappling exchanges, subsequently getting the first round sub.

Before the fight, Hooper told Cageside Press, that he wanted to enter the unofficial ‘best grappler in the lightweight division rankings’ and with the rear-naked-choke, he may have done exactly that.

With him looking increasingly more comfortable with each 155lb outing, the 24-year-old will likely want to take a little bit of time off as he and his wife expect a baby.

With that being Hooper’s 8th UFC fight despite only being 24-years-old, there is no reason to try and rush him up the rankings of the lightweight division.

Someone who I think could be a fun next matchup for Hooper, is Lando Vannata. Despite his recent skid, the losses have come to some of the higher echelon fighters in the division.

Hooper’s Next Fight: Lando Vannata

Payton Talbott

After a highly impressive performance on the Contender Series earlier this year, Talbott came into his UFC debut with a lot of eyes on him.

The 25-year-old didn’t disappoint as he put on another emphatic performance, submitting Nick Aguirre in the final round. It is going to very interesting to see Talbott’s UFC career unfold.

Selfishly I would love to see a fight between Payton Talbott and Da’Mon Blackshear, however that’s quite farfetched for Talbott’s second UFC outing. A fight that would be more realistic would be, Dan Argueta.

Talbott’s Next Fight: Dan Argueta

Amanda Ribas

The Brazilian striker bounced back from her loss to Maycee Barber, with a great third round KO over Luana Pinheiro, in her strawweight return.

Once again Ribas showed a full arsenal of striking, and began her final finishing sequence with a picture perfect spinning wheel kick, which wobbled and subsequently dropped Pinheiro.

With Ribas hoping for a resurgence at strawweight, there is female who is on her rise up the rankings, and sits just one spot behind Ribas. That is Loopy Godinez who has continued impressing. That is a fight I could see next.

Ribas’ Next Fight: Loopy Godinez

Myktybek Oralbai

Marking his UFC debut with a second round finish was, Myktybek Oralbai. The Kirghiz native had a slow round one against the powerful, Uros Medic, but was able to capitalise with his grappling advantage in round two.

There are plenty options for the 25-year-old, but one I’m keen on is, Ange Loosa.

Oralbai’s Next Fight: Ange Loosa

The post What’s Next: UFC Vegas 82 Winners appeared first on Cageside Press.

No Fight of the Night was named at the Fight Night show, which got off to an early start on Saturday afternoon (or morning, if you were on the west coast). Four Performance of the Night awards, however, were issued, including one to main event middleweight Brendan Allen.

Earning his sixth straight victory to cement himself as a real contender at 185lbs, Allen locked up a rear-naked choke on Scotland’s Paul Craig just over 30 seconds into round number three. Craig was forced to tap, giving Allen five rear-naked choke submissions in his current six-fight win streak.

Additional Performance of the Night bonuses at UFC Vegas 82 went to Joanderson Brito, Amanda Ribas, and Jeka Saragih. Brazil’s Ribas mounted a comeback victory in her strawweight match-up with Luana Pinheiro, after being pieced up in the opening round. Fellow Brazilian Brito, meanwhile, called for a bonus after his ninja choke submission win over Jonathan “JSP” Pearce to close out the preliminary card.

Brito had some pointed criticism, complaining previous finishes had gone unrewarded.

As for Jeka Saragih, his UFC Vegas 82 knockout of favorite Lucas Alexander, who missed weight for their featherweight fight, was historic, as he became the first UFC fighter from Indonesia to earn a win in the organization.

All four bonus-winning fighters will pocket an extra $50,000 for their efforts, on top of their fight purse, outfitting pay, etc.

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Allen has positioned himself as a potential future title challenger with his 10-2 UFC record and six-fight winning streak. The Louisiana native has an incredibly well-rounded skillset, able to finish the fight with his fists or his jiu-jitsu. He ran into a man who is much the opposite, a lethal weapon with his BJJ but with less than stellar striking, the Scotsman Paul Craig. Craig had been a light-heavyweight his whole career until he moved down in early 2023. His first middleweight fight was a success as he finished fellow BJJ ace Andre Muniz. The ‘Bearjew’ looked to continue that and push into the top end at 185-lbs.

The fight began as a low-paced striking match; Allen landed a few decent punches and missed some bigger ones. He clinched up with Craig a minute in and landed some knees but Craig pushed Allen to the fence and went for a takedown. Allen responded with a hip throw that placed Paul firmly on the mat. Brendan almost got back mount but settled in half-guard. Craig went for a calf slicer from bottom which almost gave Allen a chance to get a rear-naked choke, but he instead went for a leg lock which gave Paul a chance to get to his feet. However on the feet Allen just lifted and threw the Scotsman to the mat again. Allen got on top in the guard of Craig and used the can opener to make him uncomfortable while controlling him until the end of the round.

An early striking exchange went Allen’s way in round two and that caused Craig to simply pull guard, which Brendan Allen obliged. From on top he landed a big elbow that split open Paul’s eyebrow. Blood flowed onto the mat as Allen completed a strong pass to half-guard and then full mount. Craig managed to regain half-guard, which saved him from the arm triangle attempt that Allen put on him. Despite failing at his submission, Allen still rained down sharp elbows and short punches while maintaining a low and heavy top control. Brendan got a late back-take and choke attempt, which was halted by the end-of-round buzzer.

The third round began with Allen smacking Craig with a right hand. Allen crashed into the clinch and locked up a guillotine choke. He dropped down on it but Craig got his head out. However the Scotsman was wilting by this point and Allen easily transitioned to a back take. The rear-naked choke came quick and Paul Craig was forced to tap.

A six-fight winning streak gives Brendan Allen one of the best arguments at a title fight if he can get one more win against a top-five contender. He has finished five out of six fights on this winning streak and will surely find himself with a significantly higher ranking at middleweight come the rankings update on Tuesday.

Official Result: Brendan Allen def. Paul Craig by Submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 0:38 

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It’s somewhat strange to both write and read that sentence, given Craig was so well-known as a light heavyweight throughout his UFC run. But having made the move to middleweight, Craig had already been earning dividends, and landed in his first-ever main event for the UFC against Allen, a former LFA champ.

“All In” Allen isn’t one to talk trash or dazzle anyone outside the cage, but inside the octagon, his skill, especially on the ground, has proven sublime. Five straight wins at 185, and four of those by submission (all four rear-naked chokes) show exactly what Brendan Allen is about.

Of course, Paul Craig has been no slouch on the ground either over the years. Making for a very promising match-up atop UFC Vegas 82.

In the co-main event, meanwhile, Australian welterweight Jake Matthews took on undefeated Brazilian standout Michael Morales.

Following UFC Vegas 82 on Saturday, November 18, 2023, tune in for the post-fight press conference to stay on top of all the latest developments. A live stream of the affair is available in the embed above.

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The card had the promotion once again holed up at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, with welterweights Michael Morales and Jake Matthews anchoring the co-main event. Also featured, Chase Hooper, Amanda Ribas, Jonathan “JSP” Pearce, and many more.

Weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 82 go down Friday in Las Vegas, getting underway at 12PM ET, 9AM PT. Full results from Friday’s official (and only) weigh-in can be found below.

Three misses at the scale on Friday, though given an extra hour, Ailin Perez got in under the limit, leaving two fighters heavy for UFC Vegas 82.

UFC Vegas 82: Allen vs. Craig Weigh-In Results

Main Card

Middleweight: Brendan Allen (186) vs. Paul Craig (186)
Welterweight: Michael Morales (171) vs. Jake Matthews (170.5)
Lightweight: Chase Hooper (155.5) vs. Jordan Leavitt (155.5)
Bantamweight: Payton Talbott (136) vs. Nick Aguirre (136)
Women’s Strawweight: Luana Pinheiro (115.5) vs. Amanda Ribas (115.5)
Welterweight: Uroš Medić (171) vs. Myktybek Orolbai (170)

Preliminary Card

Featherweight: Jonathan Pearce (145.5) vs. Joanderson Brito (145)
Bantamweight: Chad Anheliger (134.5) vs. Jose Johnson (136)
Middleweight: Christian Leroy Duncan (186) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (186)
Heavyweight: Mick Parkin (262.5) vs. Caio Machado (250)
Featherweight: Jeka Saragih (146) vs. Lucas Alexander (148)*
Women’s Bantamweight: Lucie Pudilová (135.5) vs. Ailín Pérez (136)***
Lightweight: Trey Ogden (155.5) vs. Nikolas Motta (155)
Flyweight: Charles Johnson (125) vs. Rafael Estevam (128)**

* Lucas Alexander weighed in two pounds over the featherweight non-title limit

** Rafael Estevam weighed in two pounds over the flyweight non-title limit

*** Ailin Perez weighed in two pounds over the bantamweight non-title limit, and was given an additional hour to make weight, which she did successfully.

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He’s made the cut once before and has his ideal playbook of how to make the weight and still perform on Saturday night.

“We had the gold standard in London and that’s the way we’ve been running this kind of thing. If we can hit all the same numbers, all the same milestones, then we’ll be able to make middleweight and perform at the best of your abilities,” Craig told reporters on Wednesday.

“Right now we’re bang on the money. We’re setting gold standard. With regards to everything else like speed, power, all these attributes that help me be an athlete they are through the roof at the moment.”

The matchup with Allen puts together two high-level grapplers. While many believe it’ll be a grappling match Craig doesn’t see it that way.

“I think it’s a great matchup. Very rarely do you get the UFC making bad matchups. This is one of these battles where a lot of people are saying like it’s going to be a grappling battle. I don’t believe that,” said Craig.

“I believe this battle is going to be very much a standup battle. Who’s going to control the distance, who’s going to control the octagon and then from that who’s going to capitalize with these heavy shots. From that then it’ll be ended on the ground.”

Craig won’t be shy to stand with Allen and then force the fight to the ground to end the fight.

“So it’ll be one on the feet ended on the ground.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Paul Craig above. He takes on Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 82.

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“It wasn’t a middleweight fight,” Allen told reporters when asked about Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman fighting at UFC 294. The bout pushed Chimaev higher in the rankings following his victory over Usman.

“They weighed in at 85, but they’re both 170s.”

Controversy over rankings, or the way they’re put together, isn’t new as many other athletes have voiced displeasure over them before. Allen took aim, albeit jokingly, at the panel responsible for voting on rankings.

“I don’t know if anyone here’s on the panel, but if you do, I don’t like you,” he said. Then he looked over to one member of the media.

“Are you the panel?” Allen asked. The reporter answered with a ‘maybe’, “I don’t like you then.”

“Yeah it’s bullsh*t. This guy (Chimaev) hasn’t beat an 85er. He hasn’t beat a 85er specially a ranked 85er. He beat the number one 170 guy. Cool congratulations. I think everyone can agree a 5-round fight Kamaru wins, and that was off the couch.”

This weekend at UFC Vegas 82 he faces Paul Craig a fellow ranked middleweight coming off a victory over Andre Muniz.

“I think everyone knows why this is a main event. It’s not for him. He’s just a good spot-filler I guess. He has a ok following,” said Allen.

“I think they realized I will be champion eventually. I’m 27. I still got plenty of time to go. I think they realize I will be the champion and we’re just taking the proper steps towards that.”

Watch the entire media day scrum with Brendan Allen above. He takes on Paul Craig at UFC Vegas 82 on Saturday night.

The post Brendan Allen Takes Issue With Rankings System, Panel appeared first on Cageside Press.

The UFC made the announcement on Tuesday.

Allen (22-5) has been on fire riding a 5-fight win streak with 4 of those victories coming via submission. Big wins over Andre Muniz, Bruno Silva and Krzysztof Jotko bolster what is already an impressive win streak in the UFC.

Craig (17-6-1) is coming off a second round TKO finish of Muniz in July. That win snapped a two-fight losing streak which is preceded by a 4-fight win streak with victories over Shogun Rua, Nikita Krylov and UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.

Both men look to jump into the top 5 of the division with a decisive victory and challenge champion Israel Adesanya. Adesanya is scheduled to defend his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 293.

UFC Vegas 82’s fight card is currently as follows:

• Brendan Allen vs. Paul Craig
• Amanda Ribas vs. Luana Pinheiro
• Jordan Leavitt vs. Chase Hooper
• Kyung Ho Kang vs. John Castaneda
• Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Cesar Almeida
• Ottman Azaitar vs. Darrius Flowers
• Nikolas Motta vs. Trey Ogden
• Nick Aguirre vs. Payton Talbott

The post Brendan Allen vs. Paul Craig Set For UFC Vegas 82 On Nov 18 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Ilia Topuria

The Georgian featherweight locked in his spot as a truly elite fighter with his demolition of Josh Emmett in the UFC Jackonsville main event. There are only two real options for what to do next with Topuria: title shot or number one contender fight. Max Holloway has been knocking off featherweight contenders for over two years now, keeping them from reaching Alex Volkanovski.

There is no point in testing Ilia against Holloway now. In two weeks Volkanovski and Yair Rodriguez will unify the featherweight title, putting the winner of that fight likely on a similar timeline to Topuria for their next fight. Topuria seems ready and able to compete now with the likes of them, so this is not moving too fast, too soon for the undefeated Spaniard.

Topuria’s Next Fight: Winner of Volkanovski/Rodriguez

Maycee Barber

Maycee Barber put on the most violent display of her career when she bloodied, bruised, and finished Amanda Ribas in the UFC Jacksonville co-main event. This fifth win in a row tied her for the longest winning streak in the division with champion Alexa Grasso and top contender Erin Blanchfield.

Barber has never been closer to a title shot. However, most top 125 pounders are booked to fight. The highest ranked fighter not currently scheduled is Katlyn Chookagian. Chookagian has traditionally been a test for up-and-coming flyweight talent which some pass while others fail. Barber vs Chookagian would tell us exactly where Maycee is currently at skill-wise.

Barber’s Next Fight: Katlyn Chookagian

Julian Lane and Justin Tafa

Former Jacksonville Jaguar Julian Lane had the ultimate disappointment in his UFC debut as he accidentally eye poked Justin Tafa, leading to the fight being declared a no-contest as blood poured out of the rapidly swelling eye of Tafa. As with most no-contests, the most logical thing to do here is book a rematch. However it will likely not be in Jacksonville again, which must be a tough pill to swallow for Lane given the love he received from the local fans on Saturday.

Lane and Tafa’s Next Fight: Each Other

David Onama

David Onama bounced back from a loss in a Fight of the Year candidate to stop Gabriel Santos in round two of a fight he seemed behind in. This fight was a war just like his last, but Onama remained more calm and measured as he picked his spots, did not gas out, and found the kill switch.

Onama could face any of a number of fellow unranked action fighters at featherweight next. One such is Ricardo Ramos, famous for having not one but two spinning back elbow knockouts in the UFC. Ramos is coming off of his most recent one all the way back in June of 2022 and so he should be ready to fight again soon.

Onama’s Next Fight: Ricardo Ramos

Brendan Allen

Brendan Allen and Bruno Silva swung for the bleachers in the main card opener of UFC Jacksonville and Silva fell first. Allen was then able to jump on top and use his submission skills to finish the fight, earning a fifth straight win and defending his #13 ranking.

Now that he’s defended his ranking it’s time for him to force someone else to defend theirs. Jack Hermansson is currently ranked tenth at 185-lbs and his wrestling poses a challenge that Allen has not had to face in a while. Both men are well-rounded and the fight seems competetive on paper but could herald a new top-10 contender in the middleweight division, perhaps one who may give champion Israel Adesanya a run for his money one day.

Allen’s Next Fight: Jack Hermansson

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Allen, who has shot to a 9-2 UFC record in four years, has shown a mix of striking and grappling prowess to win his last four fights, such as knocking out Sam Alvey, submitting Krzysztof Jotko, and out-striking submission artist Andre Muniz before submitting him late in round three. Silva was coming off of the biggest win of his career, a first round violent knockout of middleweight staple Brad Tavares. Before that he had lost two in a row, but being back on the right track put his UFC record at a respectable 4-2 which allowed him to challenge for a ranking against Allen.

Allen came forward to start the bout, jabbing Silva. He came close or landed partially with three headkicks early before shooting for a takedown, which Bruno defended. Allen then landed a big body kick and stormed into the clinch where he landed a sharp elbow. That, or another strike, drew blood from Silva’s nose which leaked, slow but consistent. Mark Goddard warned them for inactivity in the clinch. Allen grabbed a collar tie and hurt Silva with a big knee but Bruno came right back with big shots of his own and hurt Allen. They traded wild combos in the pocket but Bruno got the worst of it and stumbled. Allen tried a takedown but got sprawled out.

Allen kept retreating to the fence and being a wide open target for Silva, but he was once again able to counter with tight hooks and this time he dropped ‘Blindado.’ Brendan Allen jumped on top and dropped down big ground strikes before passing guard to side control, then working to take the back when Silva turtled up. Allen suddenly got a body triangle in and slipped his forearm under the chin. Before Bruno Silva could react the hand was hidden.

BRENDAN ALLEN TURNS THE TABLES!!!!!! 😳😳😳@BrendanAllenMMA | #UFCJacksonville pic.twitter.com/AZwcKyzxDG

— UFC (@ufc) June 24, 2023

Brendan Allen’s fifth straight win was sealed, and his tenth in the UFC overall, as he forced Silva to tap. He showed good sportsmanship to console his opponent before going to celebrate with his cornermen. His post-fight interview had him call his shot of being the middleweight champ in 2024. Allen was full of requests as he called for either Jared Cannonier or Dricus du Plessis next, before also demanding purple Venum shorts for his fight kit and to headline a UFC event in his home state of New Orleans.

Official Result: Brendan Allen def. Bruno Silva by Submission (rear-naked choke) Round 1, 4:39 

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