Seventh-ranked featherweight Arnold Allen isn’t resting for too long after his UFC Fight Night victory last night. Allen ended twelfth-ranked Melquizael Costa’s six-fight winning streak in a dominant striking performance. The win, which earned a unanimous approval from the jury, marked Allen’s first in the UFC since July 2024.
Allen defeated Giga Chikadze by unanimous decision at UFC 304 before losing against Jean Silva in Las Vegas earlier this year. In what appears to be an adrenaline-rush moment after his latest win, Allen is pushing to return as soon as possible to the cage. But, beyond a mere return, he seems rather interested in reaching the stars with a bold call. Allen wants to fight one of the promotion’s most lethal strikers.
Arnold Allen speaks about a return to the cage amidst a bold call for a legendary fighter
Allen is one of Featherweight’s finest boxers. He’s renowned for moving expertly on the outside and stalking opponents with the famous Tristar jab. Last night, Allen (21-4) capitalized on a first-round knockout and remained fierce till the third round when the Englishman dealt 44 significant strikes to Costa’s 23 after the Brazilian held an early advantage in that department. His unique edge last night at UFC Vegas 117 helped him to defeat Costa by 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46.
According to a UFC-linked X page, UFConParamount, the Englishman is reportedly willing to fight anyone on his return. The interview has him predicting that he might return to the cage in September or October. However, while he didn’t specifically mention a particular athlete he must face, he admits to a preference for Yair Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is a Mexican featherweight renowned for being one of the most lethal strikers in the game. Since joining the UFC in 2014, Rodriguez has won multiple awards, including an interim UFC featherweight championship. As of this report, he’s the fifth-ranked fighter in the UFC featherweight rankings.
The Mexican is yet to respond to Allen’s wish or indicate any interest in fighting him. Till the UFC officially announces Allen’s biggest wish, the Englishman’s next fighter is as good as anyone’s guess.
