Sherdog · 9 Oct 2026
Brendan Allen accuses Dricus du Plessis of taking ‘easier’ Kamaru Usman fight
Brendan Allen has called out Dricus du Plessis, accusing the South African of avoiding a fight with him. Allen believes du Plessis opted for a matchup against Kamaru Usman, a former champion, as an easier route to a title shot. This statement comes as both middleweights are considered top contenders in a stacked division.
Middleweight contender Brendan Allen has publicly questioned the matchmaking decisions of Dricus du Plessis, suggesting the South African deliberately sidestepped a potential bout with Allen himself. Allen alleges that du Plessis chose to face former welterweight king Kamaru Usman instead, framing it as a strategic move to secure an easier path to a middleweight title opportunity. This sentiment from Allen highlights the intense competition and jockeying for position within the UFC's middleweight division.
Both Allen and du Plessis have been on impressive winning streaks, establishing themselves as legitimate threats at 185 pounds. Du Plessis, in particular, has surged up the rankings with a series of dominant performances, earning him a high-profile bout against Usman. Allen, meanwhile, has also compiled a strong record, showcasing his skills and proving his mettle against increasingly difficult opposition. The narrative Allen is pushing suggests a perceived avoidance of a dangerous stylistic matchup, with du Plessis allegedly opting for a more 'name' opponent rather than a direct contender from within his own weight class.
This situation is significant as it speaks to the intricate dynamics of contender rankings and title shot aspirations in modern MMA. Du Plessis's potential victory over Usman would undoubtedly propel him to the front of the line for a shot at the middleweight championship. Allen's comments, however, cast a shadow over this, implying that du Plessis may be seeking a less challenging route. For fans and analysts, it raises questions about the integrity of the contender process and whether fighters are truly facing the most deserving challengers. The outcome of du Plessis's fight with Usman, and Allen's subsequent actions, will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of the middleweight title picture.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Allen continues to pursue du Plessis or if he pivots to other high-profile matchups within the division.
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