An Allen-du Plessis match was reportedly in the works in January. According to Allen, the match fell through after he was informed that du Plessis was injured. Du Plessis confronted the former side
Ultimate Fighting Championship title holder Kamaru Usman in July, won by unanimous decision.
Brendan Allen explains why he believes he was a tougher opponent than Kamaru Usman
Allen has accused du Plessis of avoiding an easier fight than him against Usman. “All In” admits the 39-year-old former welterweight champion remains the bigger draw. However, Allen believes he will play a tougher game which will force du Plessis to take “an easier fight”.
“I know he’s had a chance to fight me and he took the easy way out,” Allen told UFC’s Paramount+. “He can say what he wants; that’s the fact. We had to fight. And somehow it worked out that Kamaru’s name was thrown in there. And obviously Kamaru’s a bigger push, even though he’s older, up in the weight class. He took an easier fight, plain and simple. Everybody knows it was an easier fight. I think I’m stronger, I’m more talented, I’m faster. I play off Kamaru’s resume, but I don’t believe Kamaru can do five laps with me.
Allen (27-7) enters his
UFC Vegas 122 main event vs Christian Leroy Duncan (15-2) on Saturday in Las Vegas with three straight wins. Duncan has won five straight fights.
Brendan Allen says DDP accepted “an easier fight”. Kamaru Usman instead of fighting him 👀 “He took the easy way out. He can say what he wants; that’s a fact. We had to fight…Obviously Kamaru is a bigger draw, even though he’s older, a weight class higher. Everyone knows it was an easier fight.” ( #UFCVegas122 | SAT Oct 10 @paramountplus )
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount)
October 8, 2026