The age-old query of youth vs. expertise was answered as soon as once more at UFC Apex this previous weekend. Arnold Allen took on the quickly rising Melquizael Costa in an try to indicate the younger Brazilian fighter what it takes to be elite within the UFC. What adopted was 25 minutes of pure dominance as ‘The Almighty’ defeated Costa. The putting, the wrestling, the cardio, every part appeared in favor of the British fighter, and Allen earned a unanimous victory. The query is, who’s subsequent for the veteran?
Possibility #1 – El Pantera
For me, the clear proper reply to this query is Yair Rodriguez. Allen and Rodriguez are all the time matched up by followers, and this appears like a matchup years within the making. Nonetheless, we have now but to see these two unimaginable giants share a cage. In truth, followers shall be pleased with nearly any matchup for “El Pantera.” Regardless of being one of the crucial thrilling and fluid fighters within the group, exercise has been a thorn within the facet of the Mexican. Yair has solely fought as soon as since 2024, arriving within the UFC with a spectacular victory over Patricio Pitbull. Followers are eagerly awaiting Rodriguez’s return after one other lengthy layoff. What higher return may there be than Allen, one of the crucial well-rounded opponents within the division? This shall be an extended battle. Though each are in vastly totally different disciplines, each boast world-class hitting. Rodriguez is a menace from wherever, with the dexterity to ship big kicks, knees, and elbows from all angles. Arnold Allen is far more aggressive on his ft and maintains a high-paced, high-pressing fashion that might be the right antidote to Rodriguez’s line of assault.
This shall be an actual battle for the followers and a spectacle years within the making. Coming with elite putting and top-five stakes, Allen vs. Rodriguez feels tailored for the primary occasion of Struggle Night time.
Possibility #2 – Miracle
If Yair Rodriguez just isn’t able to return to motion in September or October, we have to analyze potential replacements. Effectively, look no additional than England’s different 145-pound phenom. Lerone Murphy, who’s ranked third within the division, is an enormous step towards successful the title for Allen. Murphy, who started his UFC profession undefeated in his first 10 fights, appeared destined to problem Volkanovski for the title. However nothing is straightforward within the UFC. Within the title deciding match towards Movsar Evloev, Murphy narrowly missed out on a slender majority resolution. Though many felt that Murphy had achieved sufficient to earn not less than a draw, the judges didn’t share the identical sentiment. It is a time of rebuilding, and Murphy not too long ago mentioned he hopes to return in October of this 12 months. This matches completely with Arnold Allen’s subsequent potential journey contained in the cage, so why not pit these two towards one another? A battle for England’s 145-pound title, with big bragging rights to the winner. Appears like a recipe for fireworks.
Both Murphy or Yair Rodriguez could be the massive subsequent step for Allen in his pursuit of UFC gold. Each shall be very useful rewards since they simply fought within the rankings. However one man stands out as a worthy opponent ought to UFC leaders determine the Brit should combat once more.
Possibility #3 – El Chino
Do you assume this matchup is honest for Arnold Allen? – No.
Do you assume this matchup is a contender for Match of the 12 months? – Completely.
Kevin Vallejos has been nothing in need of dynamite since getting into the UFC in 2025. With a 4-0 document within the group, together with three vicious knockouts, the Argentine shortly gained an enormous following. Again in March, Vallejos confirmed how harmful he’s. Josh Emmett was solely knocked out as soon as in 25 fights. Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy and Dan Ige could not end off the hardened veterans. Regardless of this, Vallejos ran by means of Emmett and put out the lights within the first spherical. With a really clear victory, Vallejos secured its place inside the high 10 of the division. The UFC clearly needs to push Vallejos up the rankings shortly.
If El Chino is to be taken critically as a menace to the throne, he must make one other surprising assertion. Arnold Allen is perhaps the precise phrase. Allen hasn’t completed his 25-fight profession but, have not you heard? The winner of this combat should traverse deep water to stroll away from the winner.
In truth, whoever the UFC chooses to face Arnold Allen shall be drawn right into a conflict. The British fighter confirmed his degree towards Costa final weekend and appears destined to interrupt into the highest 5 featherweight divisions subsequent.
