In an exclusive interview, Suffolk featherweight Arnold Allen has humorously declared he would even step into the octagon with his own father if it meant securing a UFC title shot. The British fighter, known as 'Almighty', is set to make his long-awaited return to action this evening, marking his first fight in nearly two years.
Allen's Anticipated Comeback After Lengthy Hiatus
Arnold Allen last competed in July 2024, where he secured a points victory over Giga Chikadze. Now, at 32 years old, he faces a tough challenge against the energetic Brazilian contender Jean Silva. Silva has risen through the ranks during Allen's absence, despite suffering a knockout loss to Diego Lopes in his previous outing.
Title Aspirations and Domestic Rivalries
A win in Sin City could propel Allen back into contention for a shot at Alexander Volkanovski's coveted featherweight championship. Notably, Allen competes in the same division as fellow Brit Lerone Murphy, who was recently overlooked for a title fight despite a stunning knockout win over Aaron Pico.
When asked about the possibility of facing Murphy for UFC gold, Allen quipped, "Title fights… I will fight my dad if it’s a title fight." This light-hearted remark underscores his eagerness to compete at the highest level, though it comes with a family twist—his father, Pacer, is a former strongman and MMA fighter, and his brother was crowned Europe's strongest man in his weight class last year.
Overcoming Injuries and Eyeing Future Fights
Allen's hiatus was partly due to a shoulder subluxation that affected his performance against Mosvar Evloev. After the Chikadze fight, he took time to recover and regroup. Looking ahead, he expressed interest in a potential bout between Evloev and Murphy, stating it could clarify the number one contender spot.
"I think that’s a good fight. Him versus Evloev. With all the questions and who is the number one contender, that would answer it," Allen said. He added that if Murphy wins impressively, he should receive a title shot, highlighting the competitive nature of the featherweight division.
Assessing the Featherweight Landscape
Allen praised the featherweight division as one of the UFC's most talented, citing fighters like Lerone Murphy and the risks they take. "The division is one of the best. I think it is one of the best talent divisions out there," he remarked. He also discussed the complexities behind title shot decisions, noting factors like entertainment value and fighter activity.
In a perfect scenario, Allen aims for three fights this year, potentially including a title opportunity. He expressed a desire to rematch Evloev to settle their series, emphasizing his focus on climbing the rankings. "Three fights would be nice. Beat Jean Silva, get a number one contender fight," he said, outlining his ambitions for 2026.
Fans can watch Arnold Allen take on Jean Silva at UFC 324, broadcast on TNT Sports Box Office from 2am on Sunday, as he seeks to reclaim his place among the elite in the UFC's featherweight division.
