Tag: Nassourdine Imavov

Brendan Allen Argues Why Benoit Saint-Denis Should Not Headline UFC Paris

Brendan Allen believes he, not Benoit Saint-Denis, deserves the spotlight as the headliner of the UFC Paris fight card. The UFC is making its much-anticipated return to the “City of Lights” this weekend at the Accord Arena in Paris, exactly one year after its last event, with a Fight Night event packed with French talent. […]

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Brendan Allen believes he, not Benoit Saint-Denis, deserves the spotlight as the headliner of the UFC Paris fight card.

The UFC is making its much-anticipated return to the “City of Lights” this weekend at the Accord Arena in Paris, exactly one year after its last event, with a Fight Night event packed with French talent.

Headlining the upcoming event is a lightweight showdown between Renato Moicano and Saint-Denis. Meanwhile, the co-main event promises fireworks as Allen faces Nassourdine Imavov in a high-stakes middleweight clash that could have serious implications in the division.

When announcing the fights last month, UFC CEO Dana White emphasized Allen’s seven-fight win streak, positioning him on the verge of title contention. Believing his bout holds greater weight, “All In” argues that, from a competitive standpoint, his matchup carries far more significance than the Moicano vs. Saint-Denis clash, which he feels lacks meaningful consequence.

Allen On Saint-Denis Headlining UFC Paris: ‘Just Put Him On The Card, People Will Still Come Watch’

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Allen voiced his frustration over not being selected to headline UFC Paris. “All In” admitted he felt a slight sense of disrespect, considering his fight is a potential title eliminator yet was relegated to the co-main event. He argued that the Moicano vs. “God of War” matchup should have taken the co-headliner spot, given that neither fighter holds a high ranking in the division.

“I feel like it’s a little disrespectful to me and not just to me, but to Imavov as well,” Allen said. “Our fight has potential title implications wrapped around it, whereas this is #11 and #14 [#12], I think, if I’m not mistaken. The two guys in the main event should be the co-main event under us.”

Allen went on to say that while Saint-Denis is understandably popular in his home country, fans will show up regardless to support their fellow compatriot no matter his card position. However, the 28-year-old South Carolina native emphasized that both he and Imavov have global recognition

“I get it, Saint-Denis is super famous here, but at the end of the day, people are going to come watch the fight no matter what, whether he’s on the co-main or the main [event]. Just put him on the card—people are still going to come watch. But when it comes to worldwide MMA and fans, everyone knows me and Imavov are the real main event. I just felt, being as we’re so close to a title, one of us is obviously going to move forward into that potential opportunity. That’s why I feel like we should have fought five rounds.”

Continue Reading Brendan Allen Argues Why Benoit Saint-Denis Should Not Headline UFC Paris at MMA News.

‘He’s Got Russian Blood’ – Brendan Allen Unsure About UFC Paris Crowd Supporting Nassourdine Imavov

Just days after Merab Dvalishvili explained why the Nurmagomedov clan shouldn’t represent Russia, Brendan Allen has questioned the support Nassourdine Imavov would get at UFC Paris this weekend because of his Russian heritage. Allen is heading into the fight with one of the longest win streaks in the UFC middleweight division. On the flip side, […]

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Just days after Merab Dvalishvili explained why the Nurmagomedov clan shouldn’t represent Russia, Brendan Allen has questioned the support Nassourdine Imavov would get at UFC Paris this weekend because of his Russian heritage.

Allen is heading into the fight with one of the longest win streaks in the UFC middleweight division. On the flip side, Imavov is coming off a controversial TKO win over Jared Cannonier.

Here’s how Allen feels about fighting in Paris against an opponent who might benefit a ton from being local…

From Judges To Rounds, Brendan Allen Lists Things in Nassourdine Imavov’s Favor Ahead Of UFC Paris

While talking to MMA Junkie recently, Allen opened up on Imavov not agreeing to a five-round fight with him. When asked whether it’s helpful to know that he was ready for a five-round fight while his opponent wasn’t, he laid down the more obvious advantages “The Sniper’ boasts as the local fighter.

“Not really. I can see that point but I don’t think so. Like, end of the day, he got his way, and it’s still in his favor in his hometown, in front of his people, with probably his judges, and everything else. So, it is what it is.”

Allen’s boldest claim was that the officials could favor Imavov if the fight goes to a decision. Before his latest split decision win against Chris Curtis, Allen submitted four opponents in a row and he might be looking to get another finish this weekend amidst the mistrust of judges.

Allen acknowledged that he isn’t aware of Imavov’s story but pointed out that the latter was born in Russia which is indeed true. The French middleweight hails from Dagestan but moved to France at an early age. He’s been training in Paris since 19, so it makes perfect sense for him to represent France.

“I haven’t fought on, obviously, like a crowd that’s probably going to be against me. Even though, I don’t know how they view Imavov. You know, I don’t know if they view him as a real Frenchman because obviously he’s got Russian blood I think. I don’t know his story so I don’t know exactly what he is or how they view him. But either way, they boo me, like whatever.”

However, the American middleweight couldn’t help but question if the local crowd would support Imavov as much because of his Dagestani roots. Regardless, he doesn’t seem too bothered by finally fighting in front of a crowd after headlining multiple cards in the UFC Apex.

Continue Reading ‘He’s Got Russian Blood’ – Brendan Allen Unsure About UFC Paris Crowd Supporting Nassourdine Imavov at MMA News.

Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive)

UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is not impressed by Nassourdine Imavov’s alleged decision not to share the cage over 25 minutes next month. Allen will head to enemy territory to throw down with a fellow up-and-comer at 185 pounds in Imavov at the Paris-held UFC Fight Night on September 28. The pair will co-headline the […]

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UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is not impressed by Nassourdine Imavov’s alleged decision not to share the cage over 25 minutes next month.

Allen will head to enemy territory to throw down with a fellow up-and-comer at 185 pounds in Imavov at the Paris-held UFC Fight Night on September 28. The pair will co-headline the event, much to the American’s frustration.

The #7-ranked contender initially publicly rejected the France assignment owing to the fact that the promotion wasn’t looking to have him and Imavov headline. Allen was evidently convinced to compete on the undercard of Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis, but he remains frustrated at one stipulation.

With five-round co-main events becoming more common, Allen says he pushed for that against “The Sniper,” but the Frenchman refused. Having had three of his last four outings scheduled for 25 minutes, the 28-year-old is not pleased about Imavov’s apparent reluctance to prepare for the longer distance…

Allen Tells Imavov: You Want To Fight For The Title? 5 Rounds Is How You Do It

During a recent interview with MMA News’ Ryan Jarrell, Allen looked ahead to his second Octagon appearance of 2024, which comes a few months on from his memorable victory over Chris Curtis in their barnburner at the Apex.

That result added to “All In’s” five-round experience, and Imavov isn’t short on it himself having gone the 25-minute distance with both Sean Strickland and Roman Dolidze, as well as recently entering a fourth frame with Jared Cannonier prior to the TKO stoppage.

Despite that, though, Allen says the three-round stipulation for the Paris co-main event is entirely down to Imavov and his team, a decision he has a firm view on.

“Some people just need all the deck in their favor to try to win. But it’s not gonna be enough. I’m still gonna win,” Allen told MMA News. “I accepted the five rounds; I asked for the five rounds. I’ve heard the explanations but I still don’t agree or understand it. But it’s above my pay grade. I think it’s bullsh*t that 10 and 12 guys are main event over four and seven, where we have title contentions possibly surrounding our fight.

“I think it’s kind of a b*tch move that he (Imavov) doesn’t want to accept five rounds. Even as a co-main, he doesn’t want to accept five rounds,” Allen continued. “You wanna fight for the belt? You wanna stake your claim? Like, that’s how you do it. You go out there and win a five-round fight, even if it doesn’t go five rounds. … I don’t fully understand his reasoning, but I understand their logic. Some people just need all the cards in their favor as much as possible.”

Regardless, Allen will still be looking to deliver a standout performance in the French capital to stake his claim for a long-awaited first shot at title glory on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

Having already won seven straight, perhaps the addition of the #4-ranked contender to his ever-growing résumé is the piece of the puzzle Allen needs to secure his spot opposite the champion next time out.

Continue Reading Brendan Allen Accuses Nassourdine Imavov Of ‘B*tch Move’ By Rejecting Five Rounds For UFC Fight Night Paris (Exclusive) at MMA News.

UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards. With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week. In recent days, a […]

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All at MMA News.

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards.

With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

In recent days, a few notable fights were made official by the UFC or reported by reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

A number of lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

But it wasn’t all positive, with two fights falling through or being adjusted. For those, see below:

And for more detailed information on one newly booked fight that may have flown under your radar between July 8 and July 14, scroll down and check out this week’s UFC Matchmaking Bulletin spotlighted fight.

Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen – UFC Paris (September 28)

Despite posting a social media video in which he refused to fight Nassourdine Imavov in the French capital if he wasn’t the main event, it appears Brendan Allen has agreed to a European trip for his next assignment.

Allen (24-5) has won seven straight since a knockout loss to Chris Curtis, the most recent of which saw him avenge that setback in an Apex main event this past March. “All In” also headlined in his two previous bouts at the Las Vegas facility, with the first coming as a same-day change following the cancellation or Ryan Spann vs. Nikita Krylov.

While he’s yet to headline inside an arena, and Benoît Saint Denis is regarded as the leading French fighter expected to feature on September 28 rather than Imavov (14-4, 1 NC), Allen still rejected the notion he should be anything but one half of the UFC Paris main event. For whatever reason, that stance has changed and the American will be heading to enemy territory, where he’s tasked with stalling the title ambitions of the #4-ranked Imavov, who has won two straight main events over Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier in 2024.

This middleweight matchup was first reported by FightMinds.

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All at MMA News.

UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards. With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week. In recent days, a […]

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All at MMA News.

MMA News has you covered with this week’s UFC matchmaking bulletin, featuring all the additions to the upcoming cards.

With UFC events being held most weekends, Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby have their matchmaking work cut out if they’re to fill them, meaning new bouts are confirmed each and every week.

In recent days, a few notable fights were made official by the UFC or reported by reputable sources. For more information on those matchups, check out the links below:

A number of lower-profile matchups also came together. For those, check out this week’s quick hits:

But it wasn’t all positive, with two fights falling through or being adjusted. For those, see below:

And for more detailed information on one newly booked fight that may have flown under your radar between July 8 and July 14, scroll down and check out this week’s UFC Matchmaking Bulletin spotlighted fight.

Nassourdine Imavov vs. Brendan Allen – UFC Paris (September 28)

Despite posting a social media video in which he refused to fight Nassourdine Imavov in the French capital if he wasn’t the main event, it appears Brendan Allen has agreed to a European trip for his next assignment.

Allen (24-5) has won seven straight since a knockout loss to Chris Curtis, the most recent of which saw him avenge that setback in an Apex main event this past March. “All In” also headlined in his two previous bouts at the Las Vegas facility, with the first coming as a same-day change following the cancellation or Ryan Spann vs. Nikita Krylov.

While he’s yet to headline inside an arena, and Benoît Saint Denis is regarded as the leading French fighter expected to feature on September 28 rather than Imavov (14-4, 1 NC), Allen still rejected the notion he should be anything but one half of the UFC Paris main event. For whatever reason, that stance has changed and the American will be heading to enemy territory, where he’s tasked with stalling the title ambitions of the #4-ranked Imavov, who has won two straight main events over Roman Dolidze and Jared Cannonier in 2024.

This middleweight matchup was first reported by FightMinds.

Continue Reading UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (7/8-7/14): Brendan Allen Accepts Nassourdine Imavov Fight In Paris After All at MMA News.

Brendan Allen Rejects Paris Bout As He Won’t Fight Below Moicano vs. Saint Denis: ‘One Coming Off A Loss, One Barely Wins’

UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen appears set to decline a trip to the French capital after being snubbed of the main event slot. Allen, who currently occupies the #7 spot at 185 pounds, extended his winning run to seven in his first assignment of 2024, outpointing Chris Curtis in one of the year’s best fights […]

Continue Reading Brendan Allen Rejects Paris Bout As He Won’t Fight Below Moicano vs. Saint Denis: ‘One Coming Off A Loss, One Barely Wins’ at MMA News.

UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen appears set to decline a trip to the French capital after being snubbed of the main event slot.

Allen, who currently occupies the #7 spot at 185 pounds, extended his winning run to seven in his first assignment of 2024, outpointing Chris Curtis in one of the year’s best fights to avenge his 2021 loss to “The Action Man.”

That result came in an Apex main event this past April, coming on the heels of two other main events at the low-capacity facility in Las Vegas.

And having had a taste of being on UFC Fight Night posters, Allen is now turning down high-profile matchups if he’s not headlining…

Allen Says No Main Event, No Deal For UFC Fight Night Paris

During a video recently uploaded to Instagram, Allen provided an update on his current status three months on from his latest triumph inside the Octagon.

“All In” revealed that he has been offered a top five opponent in the form of Nassourdine Imavov, with the promotion looking to have the pair do battle at the UFC Fight Night scheduled for Paris, France, this September.

That card recently had its main event reported, with the always entertaining Benoît Saint Denis expected to headline in front of his home fans in a lightweight joust against Renato Moicano.

Allen, however, believes he has more of a right to top spot on the lineup.

“This is for everyone that’s asking me what’s up, when am I fighting?” Allen said. “Two weeks ago, they said Imavov in Paris. I said yes. I said I want to be main event because I’ve main evented three in a row, won all three. I’m going into enemy territory, so if we’re going to do it for all the risk, all the gain, let’s go. Main event.

“Next thing you know, we see (Saint Denis) and Moicano are the main event. I ain’t f*cking going all the way to Paris for these two dudes to go over me. One dude is coming off a loss, the other one barely wins, bro. Nah, I’m not with it,” Allen continued. “So Imavov, if you want to fight, you want this work, whatever you want to call it, come on over to America, we’ll get it done. There’s no way we should be below these guys. I know it’s the Ultimate Followers Championship, but even though they got the followers, just put them on the card, people are going to come anyway.”

This marks consecutive years in which Allen has rejected main events against high-ranked opponents.

“All In” turned down a headliner against Roman Dolidze last September because he wanted a higher-ranked name. While the Georgian was #7 at the time, Allen went on to face the #13-ranked Craig.

This occasion has seen Allen refuse a showdown with the current #4-ranked contender at 185 pounds.

It remains to be seen who the Californian will share the cage with next, and whether his decision to turn down a top five opponent will stall his planned surge to the title.

Continue Reading Brendan Allen Rejects Paris Bout As He Won’t Fight Below Moicano vs. Saint Denis: ‘One Coming Off A Loss, One Barely Wins’ at MMA News.