Brendan Allen Accused Dricus du Plessis of Avoiding Bout
Allen shifts focus to his upcoming UFC Vegas 122 fight against Christian Leroy Duncan this October.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Brendan Allen has publicly accused Dricus du Plessis of avoiding a potential matchup, claiming du Plessis selected Kamaru Usman for a July 2026 bout because it was an easier path. Allen, who holds a 27-7 professional record, remains focused on his next opponent after a proposed January 2026 fight with du Plessis failed to materialize.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the internal maneuvering behind high-profile UFC matchups and the impact of injury-related cancellations on fighter schedules. Allen's accusations raise questions regarding fighter matchmaking priorities in the division.
Brendan Allen holds a 27-7 professional record with 3 consecutive victories, while his upcoming opponent Christian Leroy Duncan brings a 15-2 record and 5 consecutive wins. The circumstances surrounding the original January 2026 cancellation remain a point of contention between the camps.
The players
Brendan Allen
A professional fighter with a 27-7 record who is currently scheduled to compete at UFC Vegas 122.
Dricus du Plessis
A professional fighter who defeated Kamaru Usman in July 2026 after a previously proposed fight with Allen was cancelled.
Christian Leroy Duncan
The professional fighter with a 15-2 record scheduled to meet Brendan Allen at UFC Vegas 122.
Kamaru Usman
A 39-year-old fighter who lost a unanimous decision to Dricus du Plessis in July 2026.
The details
Brendan Allen, who was informed of a du Plessis injury back in January 2026, alleges that the subsequent bout between du Plessis and the 39-year-old Kamaru Usman was an intentional avoidance of a tougher opponent. Allen is now set to face Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 122. That event is scheduled for October 10, 2026.
Timeline
A potential matchup between Allen and du Plessis was in the works in January 2026.
Dricus du Plessis defeated Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision in July 2026.
Brendan Allen fights Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 122 on October 10, 2026.
Beyond the Strip
This dispute follows a familiar pattern in the UFC's historical matchmaking criteria for title-contender bouts. Allen’s accusations highlight the recurring tension between rankings and perceived fighter-selection strategies.
Fans planning to attend UFC Vegas 122 should note the event takes place on October 10, 2026. Keep an eye on official weigh-in announcements and venue traffic updates as the fight date approaches.
The takeaway
Brendan Allen continues his push for divisional standing despite the friction surrounding his cancelled January 2026 bout. Fans should monitor the UFC Vegas 122 card on October 10 to see if Allen can extend his current three-fight win streak.
Further reading
For more on local fight card updates, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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