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After bouncing back from a challenging year, UFC featherweight standout Arnold Allen is sharpening his focus on potential fights against top contenders Yair Rodriguez or Brian Ortega in early 2025. Having faced a difficult setback to his winning streak and experiencing his first UFC losses, Allen sees these matchups as pivotal steps in his goal to reclaim a title shot.
Earlier this year, Allen faced the first career setback with back-to-back losses, first in a closely contested match against former featherweight champion Max Holloway. Holloway, who is expected to move permanently to lightweight following his title loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, likely won’t be in Allen’s plans for a rematch. While Allen may not get the chance to redeem that particular loss, he’s undeterred, setting his sights firmly on advancing through the featherweight division.
“The goal is whoever’s got the title. That’s what I want. If he hasn’t got the title, he’s going up to ’55, then whatever,” Allen commented at UFC Fight Night 246.
Allen’s UFC streak previously included an impressive 12 straight wins, highlighted by memorable knockouts of Dan Hooker and Calvin Kattar. However, he stumbled afterward in a narrow decision loss to Movsar Evloev. Nevertheless, his recent victory over Giga Chikadze in England marked a significant comeback and reignited his aspirations.
As Allen looks to early 2025, he believes that fights with Rodriguez or Ortega, two fighters ranked above him, are more feasible than ever.
“Anyone above me (is who I want to fight),” Allen said. “It’s been talked about a lot: Ortega is a guy that’s been talked about after Holloway. I asked for Yair or Ortega… I mentioned it, so I’m sure that they’re more realistic now.”
Long-term, Allen remains focused on the featherweight title. Should he have an opportunity to challenge champion Ilia Topuria, he feels ready for the test. With his ambitions intact and renewed confidence, Allen’s 2025 plans are shaping up to be crucial in his pursuit of featherweight gold.
“I want to fight the best guys in the world, and I feel like I match up pretty good with him,” Allen noted.
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