He’s unbeaten in the world-famous UFC after three fights, one of the hottest prospects in the sport and just 23-years-old - but Suffolk’s Arnold Allen thinks he’s behind schedule!
The super talented featherweight, from Trimley St Martin, claimed a career best win over the hotly-touted Makwan Amirkhani at the O2 Arena last month to extend his pro record to 12-1 (3-0 UFC).
But despite that, the ever-modest Allen is far from content. “I’m behind schedule,” he said. “I’ve had three fights in three years, with illness and injury, and I’d have liked to have had five fights in that time.
“It is what it is though and now I’ve got to make up for it - I’d like to fight again in August and take it from there.”
Of his points win over Amirkhnai, who was also unbeaten in the UFC, Allen is similarly self-critical – despite it being roundly lauded as one of the best fights of the night.
“I fought like s**t really,” he explained. “It wasn’t a great performance but I thought I’d won every round, although I knew I’d under-performed.
“The plan was to use my striking more, especially my boxing, to light him up. I was happy to beat him in his territory with the grappling and wrestling, but I knew I’d match him there – I work with the best in the world.”
The win propels Allen, who now trains at the world-famous Tristar Gym in Montreal, to the brink of the top 15 world rankings.
As is his style though, he’s not calling out any big names for his next fight.
“My plan is to get there (the top 15) early next year, or by the end of this year – maybe one more fight and then go for it,” he said.
When it comes to location for his next fight though Allen – who started his martial arts training in Felixstowe and honed his craft at BKK Fighters in Colchester – is a little more outspoken.
“Las Vegas definitely appeals to me,” he said. “It’s one of those of those places that everyone who fights wants to fight there.
“There’s Madison Square Garden in New York too, I’d love the chance to fight there! It’s great fighting at home, but I want to see a bit of the world, and that would be fantastic.”
Allen added: “I want to get back in there and get some knock-outs now. Obviously I’m stepping up in competition so I’ve just got to work harder and make it happen.”
– Click here to meet the best MMA fighters in the region and see them in action!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here