Brendan Allen edged Christian Duncan via unanimous decision, 29‑28, 29‑28, 29‑28, to notch his third consecutive win and keep his sights on a title clash.
The bout began evenly, but Allen’s relentless pressure in the fourth and fifth overs forced Duncan into a defensive posture. A sharp left hook in the fourth over knocked Duncan to the canvas, after which Allen seized momentum and dominated the final minute, pulling the judges in his favor.
Allen, who sits at No. 4 in the middle‑weight rankings, was candid on post‑fight radio, saying, "I know I’m the harder fighter than Usman, and I’ve got to earn this next step. If I beat Duncan, the door to a Dricus du Plessis showdown opens." He also slammed the notion that du Plessis "ducked" him, insisting the match had been set but fell through.
With Duncan’s victory the biggest of his UFC career, Allen’s win not only boosts his ranking but also signals to the division that he’s ready for the top. The next fight on his radar is a potential matchup against former champion Dricus du Plessis, slated for the upcoming UFC event in December.