Brendan Allen accuses Dricus du Plessis of taking ‘easier’ Kamaru Usman fight

Brendan Allen has accused Dricus du Plessis of sidestepping a fight with him in favor of a less challenging matchup against Kamaru Usman, despite being the bigger draw.

A bout between Allen and du Plessis was reportedly arranged for January but fell through after du Plessis reportedly sustained an injury. Du Plessis subsequently faced former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in July, securing a unanimous decision victory. Allen now contends that du Plessis deliberately chose the easier path against the 39-year-old Usman rather than face him.

Allen (27-7) acknowledged that Usman remains a more recognizable name and a bigger commercial draw, even at an older age and after moving up in weight class. However, Allen believes his own profile and fighting style present a significantly tougher challenge. He argued that du Plessis opted for the "easier fight" because he presents a more dangerous matchup—larger, stronger, faster, and more skilled, in Allen's assessment. Allen expressed confidence that Usman would be unable to survive five rounds against him.

Allen heads into his UFC Vegas 122 main event against Christian Leroy Duncan (15-2) on Saturday in Las Vegas riding three consecutive victories. Duncan enters the bout with five straight wins. The middleweight contender's public criticism of du Plessis' fight selection reflects frustration at having a promised opportunity derailed, though the two may yet find themselves matched up at a future date.