LAS VEGAS – Brendan Allen believes he’s got the edge over Marvin Vettori in the rankings. The tension between them seems to have reached a boiling point.
Following his win at UFC Fight Night 240 on Saturday, Allen (24-5 MMA, 12-2 UFC) faced criticism from Vettori (19-6-1 MMA, 9-5-1 UFC), his initially slated opponent who had to pull out due to injury a few weeks before the fight.
“Allen, my God, you’re calling for the championship, yet you’re just coasting through rounds and hoping for a takedown, like a dog,” Vettori tweeted. “That was embarrassing.”
Allen, oh my god, you aim for the title, you look terrible.
That was a humiliating performance.— Marvin Vettori (@MarvinVettori) April 7, 2024
Allen went on to face and lose to replacement opponent Chris Curtis (31-11 MMA, 5-3 UFC) via split decision. Even after the fight, Allen reaffirmed that a win would elevate him above Vettori in the rankings.
“He’s insignificant,” Allen stated. “He’s not willing to step up. He’s content sitting on the sidelines. He’s yesterday’s news. He’s on the decline. Soft hands, he’s out of his league. This could have been settled this week. This could have happened in Miami. What’s the deal now? You want to talk now. The only time he speaks up is when there’s someone standing between us. It’s that simple. We were prepping for him. We came in here and outperformed him. We brought in a more skilled individual who excels at his craft. How many bridges has he burned? Get out of here. We’re not fretting over Marvin.
“…I ought to be ranked fifth next week. You can’t hold your spot without fighting. Why didn’t he fight? The person above me hadn’t competed in a year and a half. What gives? Supposedly, he was supposed to fight tonight.”
But Allen wasn’t done yet. He shed light on a recent direct interaction between the two fighters, although the precise time and place of this incident remain unclear. Allen alleged that Vettori’s demeanor in person was inconsistent with his online bravado.
“You publicly stated that if you saw me, you’d lay me out,” Allen recounted. “But when you actually saw me, all you said was, ‘What’s up? Hey, what’s up?’ I didn’t engage. Not a word. I saw you again, ‘Oh, why? Why are you looking at me like that?’ I set my bag down and subtly moved behind someone as I approached you. The only time he’s game is in public. That’s why I don’t play that. If you confront me, stand by your words. If you’re a man, back up what you say. That’s my gripe. I hadn’t even mentioned him. What? Did he claim I said something on Twitter? Come on, man. Everyone talks on Twitter. Apparently, he’s beefing on Twitter now. That’s just talk. If you truly feel that way, keep that same energy when we meet face to face. You’ve seen me numerous times.
“That’s the reality. It doesn’t really matter. I’m unfazed. I won’t start anything, but I’m not a pushover, and I won’t back down. That’s the last I have to say about Marvin. We won’t throw down unless you’re ready to throw down, whether it’s here or in my gym or wherever. You’re trailing behind. You had your shot. Even last year, you could have faced me tonight. I was primed. I showed up. I played my cards with Chris. That’s the final word on Marvin.”
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