Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight Brendan Allen extended his winning streak to six with a Round 3 rear-naked choke victory against former light heavyweight Paul Craig in the main event of UFC Fight Night 232. Despite a calf slicer submission attempt from Craig in the first frame, Allen put on a compelling performance against the Scot. He outgrappled his opponent until securing the rear-naked choke 38 seconds into Round 3. Post event, Allen discussed his performance and aspirations as a Top 10 competitor in the middleweight division with media during a press conference.
Regarding his near loss to Craig’s calf slicer submission, Allen stated, “I’m pissed that I let him go under and try to go for that calf slicer. I didn’t think he was gonna do it, so I didn’t really focus too much on any of that. I got the win, so it is what it is.” The fighter also expressed irritation with the aftereffects of the calf slicer, which implodes the knee and impacts the ankle. Despite feeling like he was generally in control, Allen acknowledged Craig’s strength and credited him for being tough. However, he claimed that Craig “wanted out” in the second round after a rear-naked choke. Allen described preparing for the fight as playing chess where he aimed for making Craig “miss, feel his energy and how he hits, his strength, his tempo”.
Allen went on to discuss future opponents, preferring to face whoever would offer a guaranteed title shot. He, however, refused to commit to fighting until April, expressing a keen desire to spend time with his family. He also mentioned his aspiration for UFC to come to Louisiana and his interest in competing on a card alongside Dustin Poirier. Allen saluted his teammate Impa Kasanganay for his upcoming Professional Fighters League title fight and expressed his hopes for Kasanganay to win. When asked about fighting inside the smaller Octagon at the UFC Apex, Allen admitted to being comfortable with fighting anywhere.