Brendan Allen Accuses Dricus du Plessis of Avoiding Him by Choosing Easier Opponents

Key points

• Brendan Allen defeated Christian Leroy Duncan via rear-naked choke in the fifth round at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10, 2026, securing his fourth consecutive win.
• Allen, currently ranked No. 4 in the middleweight division, accused Dricus du Plessis of taking the 'easier fight' by facing Kamaru Usman in July instead of him.
• Allen claimed du Plessis avoids him due to his youth, speed, and technical skill, stating, 'He knows that.'
• Allen confirmed he will not fight again in 2026, citing a desire to enjoy time with his family after two bouts this year.
• Allen indicated that if du Plessis does not agree to a fight, he will wait for other options, trusting his manager Hunter Campbell to secure a title shot.

Background

Brendan Allen has been lobbying for a bout with Dricus du Plessis for some time, with previous discussions suggesting a potential match in early 2027. Du Plessis lost the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in 2025 and subsequently returned to the win column by defeating Kamaru Usman in July 2026. Allen’s recent victory over Duncan was seen as a crucial step to solidify his position as a top contender, with earlier reports indicating he viewed Duncan as a hurdle before targeting du Plessis.

How outlets are covering it

All three sources report Allen’s criticism of du Plessis’s choice to fight Kamaru Usman, but they emphasize different aspects of the narrative. Bloody Elbow highlights Allen’s assertion that he is the 'harder fight' due to his physical attributes and technical skill. MMA Fighting focuses on Allen’s frustration with du Plessis’s 'all talk' approach and his willingness to wait for a bigger opportunity if the fight does not happen. MMA Junkie provides additional context on Allen’s decision to stop fighting for the rest of 2026, emphasizing his focus on family and the strategic pause after two bouts this year. While all outlets agree on the core conflict, they differ in their emphasis on Allen’s immediate next steps versus his long-term rivalry with du Plessis.

Why it matters

This confrontation highlights the competitive dynamics within the UFC middleweight division, where top contenders are vying for title opportunities. Allen’s public criticism of du Plessis’s matchmaking choices underscores the tension between established champions and rising contenders. The outcome of this rivalry could influence future title fights and the trajectory of both fighters’ careers, particularly as du Plessis seeks to reclaim his status and Allen aims for a first title shot.

What to watch

Brendan Allen will not fight again in 2026, focusing on recovery and family time. He expects to return in 2027, potentially facing Dricus du Plessis if the former champion agrees to the bout. If not, Allen will await other high-profile opportunities, with his manager Hunter Campbell expected to secure a title shot. Du Plessis’s response to Allen’s criticism and his future matchmaking choices will determine whether the two fighters eventually meet in the octagon.