Following a dominant and hard-fought victory inside the Octagon, surging UFC middleweight contender Brendan “All In” Allen has firmly thrust his name back into the championship conversation. With a statement-making performance at UFC Vegas 122, Allen extended his impressive win streak to four consecutive fights and immediately used his post-fight microphone time to demand clarity, respect, and a shot at the 185-pound gold.
The event, which delivered plenty of high-level martial arts action, culminated for Allen in a late-fight submission victory over the dangerous and dynamic British striker Christian Leroy Duncan. Throughout the bout, Allen showcased his grappling prowess and relentless pacing, eventually breaking down his opponent and securing the finish as the contest entered its final stages.
Rather than celebrating quietly or waiting patiently for the matchmakers to call, Allen seized the moment during his in-cage post-fight interview with color commentator and former UFC champion Michael Bisping. Visibly fired up and eager to break through the logjam at the top of the middleweight division, Allen directed his attention straight toward the division’s elite, openly questioning the whereabouts of the champions and top contenders who have kept the division waiting.
Addressing the crowd and the millions watching around the globe, Allen did not mince words. In his trademark brash style, he called out both the current title picture and Bisping himself.
“Where’s the champion?” Allen asked Bisping inside the Octagon. “If not, where’s [Dricus du Plessis], you’ve been running for a little while. If not, Mike, put your belt back up.”
The bold remarks instantly lit up social media, with fans and media members dissecting the implications of Allen’s callout. The frustration expressed by Allen stems from a broader stagnation at the summit of the middleweight weight class, where title challengers and belt holders have frequently found themselves at an impasse regarding timelines, contract negotiations, and next steps.
At the center of this turbulence is reigning champion Sean “Tarzan” Strickland, who captured the imagination of the MMA world with his gritty fighting style and unvarnished personality. Strickland has been widely expected to make his next title defense against top contender Nassourdine Imavov. However, the path to that matchup has recently encountered significant hurdles.
Over the past few days, Strickland has openly voiced his dissatisfaction with the Ultimate Fighting Championship regarding his compensation. Despite carrying the prestige and responsibilities of being a UFC champion, Strickland has publicly claimed that the promotion has been lowballing him, leaving him deeply unsatisfied with his financial package.
Beyond the ongoing financial disputes with the organization, Strickland has also expressed physical and mental exhaustion stemming from the grueling demands of mixed martial arts training. The American fighter admitted that the daily toll of wrestling, sparring, and preparing for elite-level bouts has begun to wear heavily on his body. Consequently, Strickland has hinted at a potential departure from MMA altogether, expressing an interest in transitioning to the sport of boxing, which he believes offers considerably better financial rewards and a significantly less taxing physical regimen.
Brendan Allen Wants Sean Strickland to Vacate if He’s Not Ready to Fight
With Strickland’s future in the promotion hanging in the balance and the title picture shrouded in uncertainty, Brendan Allen has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for division-holding champions. Having climbed the rankings through sheer consistency and high-level performances, Allen believes the time has come for definitive action in the 185-pound division.
Allen’s victory over Christian Leroy Duncan marked his fourth straight win, solidifying his status as one of the most deserving contenders in the weight class. Having paid his dues through years of tough competition, “All In” made it clear that he has no intention of waiting indefinitely while champions contemplate their futures or look toward other combat sports.
Speaking further on his ambitions as he made his way backstage to the dressing rooms following his UFC Vegas 122 triumph, Allen elaborated on his frustration and laid out a straightforward ultimatum for the reigning titleholder. If Strickland is hesitant or unwilling to defend his belt against the division’s top contenders, Allen believes the responsible course of action is to relinquish the title so the division can move forward.
“Aye! Just another one,” Allen said, reflecting on his latest win while walking away from the Octagon. “Let’s go for something bigger, f… I want that fing gold. It’s been too long. I’ve been here a long time. Sean, where the f you are? And if not, go ahead and vacate and let me and Imavov get that s.”
Allen’s explicit mention of Nassourdine Imavov highlights his willingness to fight the absolute best available competition to prove his championship readiness. Whether that means facing Strickland for the undisputed strap, locking horns with former champion Dricus du Plessis, or competing for a vacant title alongside Imavov should Strickland step away, Allen’s objective remains singular and absolute.
As the dust settles on UFC Vegas 122, the pressure now shifts to the UFC matchmakers and the upper echelon of the middleweight division. With Brendan Allen raising his hand, demanding answers, and staking his claim to the throne, the 185-pound weight class is primed for high-stakes drama as the promotion works to determine the next chapter for its championship picture.
