UFC Vegas 82’s big winner, Brendan Allen, on Sean Strickland rematch: ‘I know I’m better ... I think he does, too’

Brendan Allen still believes he can beat the Middleweight champion.

Allen scored a big win at UFC Vegas 82 last night (Sat., Nov. 18, 2023), submitting Paul Craig in the third round via rear-naked choke from inside UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch highlights). With the victory, Allen also banked a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus and improved his win streak to six.

After his fight, Allen called for a No. 1 contender eliminator match for his next outing because he feels he deserves it, whether it be Robert Whittaker, Jarred Cannonier or Khamzat Chimaev ... he doesn’t care who. And with the six-fight win streak, being 10-1 in the division, and having the second most submissions in the 185-pound division, it is hard to argue otherwise.

While he doesn’t care who he fights next, he eventually wants to rematch Middleweight roost-ruler, Sean Strickland.

“I hope UFC sees and knows that I am the next big thing,” Allen said on UFC’s ESPN+ post show. “I’ve been in there with Sean. I was a lot younger, and I was immature mentally. And I think I was still winning that fight. I just made a bad audible, and I got caught. I’m happy he’s the champion. Congratulations to him. I think he’s a funny guy like he plays the antics, but all that aside, I know in my heart I’m better, and I think he does too, but we’ll see what happens.”

Strickland stopped Allen at UFC Vegas 14 (watch highlights), and “All In” has been chasing Strickland ever since. If Allen keeps running through the Middleweight contenders who the promotion puts in front of him, then “Strickland vs. Allen 2” could happen sooner rather than later.

Unless “Stillknocks” does something about it, of course.

For complete UFC Vegas 82 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.