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Next for Arnold Allen (#8)?
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04.13.2021 | 12:27 PM ET
Allen outpointed a game contender, Sodiq Yusuff (#12), to a decision victory on Saturday night. Both guys came into the fight with a lot of hype, and both represent the future of the featherweight division. Allen showed his well-rounded skill set: superb movement, top grappling, and accurate punches.
Approaching the Top 5 of the division, 7-0 in the UFC, and 27 years old, Allen is the hottest prospect at 145lbs.
WHO WILL HE FIGHT NEXT?
1. Zabit (#3) - Zabit has been inactive for a year and a half. He is known for his dynamic and flashy striking, and his well rounded dagestani, kung-fu skill set. The match with Yair Rodriguez (#4) may never happen, so why not give him a fresh matchup? Maybe Zabit comes back this Summer to fight Allen. Will the UFC make it?
2. Josh Emmett (#7) - Emmett is a tough gun in the featherweight division. He is dealing with long term injuries, but has been spectacular in his performances when healthy. 7-2 overall in the UFC and 36 years old, Emmett will be on his final run when he returns. Big power and educated striking make him dangerous but will he return the same? We could expect this matchup towards the end of the year - maybe September or October.
3. Yair Rodriguez (#4) - I don't expect the awaited matchup between Zabit and Yair to happen. Leaving that fantasy alone, maybe Yair will return to the UFC to face up-and-comer Arnold Allen. Yair has proved his level with stand-out performances over the course of his 9-fight UFC tenure. Still only 28, 8-1 in the Octagon, I could see the UFC forcing Yair to fight down versus a tough young Arnold Allen next. Definitely a winnable fight for Allen but a real test and evenly matched bout for both warriors. Yair has been out for 18 months.
Approaching the Top 5 of the division, 7-0 in the UFC, and 27 years old, Allen is the hottest prospect at 145lbs.
WHO WILL HE FIGHT NEXT?
1. Zabit (#3) - Zabit has been inactive for a year and a half. He is known for his dynamic and flashy striking, and his well rounded dagestani, kung-fu skill set. The match with Yair Rodriguez (#4) may never happen, so why not give him a fresh matchup? Maybe Zabit comes back this Summer to fight Allen. Will the UFC make it?
2. Josh Emmett (#7) - Emmett is a tough gun in the featherweight division. He is dealing with long term injuries, but has been spectacular in his performances when healthy. 7-2 overall in the UFC and 36 years old, Emmett will be on his final run when he returns. Big power and educated striking make him dangerous but will he return the same? We could expect this matchup towards the end of the year - maybe September or October.
3. Yair Rodriguez (#4) - I don't expect the awaited matchup between Zabit and Yair to happen. Leaving that fantasy alone, maybe Yair will return to the UFC to face up-and-comer Arnold Allen. Yair has proved his level with stand-out performances over the course of his 9-fight UFC tenure. Still only 28, 8-1 in the Octagon, I could see the UFC forcing Yair to fight down versus a tough young Arnold Allen next. Definitely a winnable fight for Allen but a real test and evenly matched bout for both warriors. Yair has been out for 18 months.
