Allen accuses champion Du Plessis of dodging him for 'easier' Usman fight

Brendan Allen has accused UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis of deliberately sidestepping a fight with him, alleging the South African opted for an easier payday against Kamaru Usman rather than face a more dangerous opponent.

A matchup between Allen and Du Plessis was reportedly in the works in January, but Allen says he was told the champion pulled out due to injury. Du Plessis subsequently faced former welterweight titleholder Usman in July, winning by unanimous decision — a result Allen views as confirmation that the champion chose the path of least resistance.

“I know he’s had the opportunity to fight me and he took the easier route,” Allen said. “He can say whatever he wants; it’s a fact. We were supposed to fight. And somehow it got worked that Kamaru’s name got thrown in there. And obviously Kamaru is a bigger draw even though he’s older, up a weight class. He took the easier fight, plain and simple. Everyone knows it was the easier fight. I’m bigger, I’m stronger, I’m faster. I think I’m more talented, but people are gonna play off of Kamaru’s resume. OK, play off his resume, but I don’t think that Kamaru can make it five rounds with me.”

Allen does concede that the 39-year-old Usman carries greater commercial appeal despite competing above his natural weight class, but insists that commercial logic does not excuse what he sees as a deliberate act of avoidance.

The 27-7 contender now turns his attention to Saturday’s UFC Vegas 122 main event in Las Vegas, where he meets Christian Leroy Duncan (15-2) riding three consecutive victories. Duncan arrives in equally strong form, having won five straight fights, setting up a compelling middleweight clash that could strengthen Allen’s case for a title shot.