Allen vs. Du Plessis Fight "Verbally Agreed" Before Collapse; Welterweight Move Considered

Brendan Allen has revealed that a fight with former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis was verbally agreed upon for early 2025 but ultimately fell through due to an alleged injury to du Plessis—one that Allen openly questions.

"We had a fight verbally agreed for January or April 2025, but he pulled out saying he was injured. Then he posted training videos right after."

Instead of a championship-level clash, Allen will now face unranked middleweight Edmen Shahbazyan in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 118 this Saturday.

A Frustrating Search for an Opponent

Allen stated he actively sought a fight with Kamaru Usman and other ranked opponents, but could not secure one. Frustrated by the delays and citing financial necessity, he accepted the bout with Shahbazyan.

• Allen requested fights with du Plessis and Usman
• Both opportunities fell through
• Financial considerations drove acceptance of current fight

The Opponent: Edmen Shahbazyan

Shahbazyan (28 years old) enters the fight on a three-fight win streak, including a stoppage victory over Andre Muniz at UFC 320 in October 2024. A previously scheduled bout against Jun Yong Park in April 2025 was canceled due to Park's injury.

Allen's Outlook

Despite the change in opponent, Allen—ranked in the top five—expects to win and showcase his versatility against the surging Shahbazyan.