Brendan Allen worked a lot harder than he expected, but he got the job done inside the distance.
Allen faced Christian Leroy Duncan in the main event of UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday night. “All-In” couldn’t seem to get out of first gear through most of the fight, and while his fundamental skill set kept him a step ahead, Duncan showed tenacity to keep things close — but a key error early put him in a hole.
Duncan came out very aggressive early, but then went to a questionable game plan of clinch work against the fence. Allen took full advantage of the situation with an easy takedown. Duncan was able to reverse course, appeared to get away with an eye poke and extended fingers, plus possibly grabbing the top of the cage padding. Referee Mark Goddard let it go.
As the second round began, Duncan landed a nasty eye poke to Allen and referee Marc Goddard took a point. Allen began to take control from there, landing the better shots on the feet, then getting a clean takedown with well over two minutes left in the round. Allen dominated the rest of the stanza.
The action got strange over the next two rounds with both fighters making crucial mistakes and questionable decision-making. Eventually, in the fifth round, Allen sunk in the choke, and despite Duncan trying to grab the fence, Allen was able to get the rap with the rear-naked choke.
After the win, Allen reiterated having to defend his top-5 spot against two hungry up-and-comers, and believes he’ll be rewarded with a title shot or a fight with former champ Dricus du Plessis. The 30-year-old Allen has now won four in a row, while “CLD” saw his five-fight win streak come to an end.
