Brendan Allen Explains Why He Can't Afford to Wait for Fights

Brendan Allen says he's taking fights against lower-ranked opponents like Christian Leroy Duncan because he can't financially afford to sit and wait for a bigger name to become available.

Speaking at Wednesday's UFC Fight Night 290 media day ahead of his main event against Duncan, Allen was blunt about the business reality driving his fight selection. He said he works on a rough timeline, aiming to fight again by October, and takes on whoever is next in line if a ranked opponent isn't ready to go.

"I don't want to sit out and wait. I don't have the means, honestly," Allen said. "I don't have these sponsors paying me thousands of dollars a month to where I can sit out and just wait. So yeah, I want to fight around a timeline, so whoever is available, whoever wants to fight, that's who gets it. So far, it's been guys down the list."

Why Allen Is Fighting Duncan Instead of a Top Contender

Brendan Allen's matchup with Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC Vegas 122 is less about chasing rankings and more about staying active. Allen enters the fight on a three-fight win streak and has spent more than seven years building toward a middleweight title shot, but his comments make clear that financial pressure, not pure matchmaking strategy, is shaping who he fights next. Without the sponsorship money that lets some UFC stars pick and choose, Allen said he simply takes the next available opponent rather than holding out for a ranked name.

That approach has put him across the cage from Duncan, a fast-rising prospect on a five-fight win streak. Allen doesn't see it as a step down. He called Duncan talented but "very green" in terms of career experience, and said this is the biggest test of whether the Brit can handle real pressure.

"I think this is a big, big step up for him, and I'm expecting him to be one of those guys that takes that step up, takes that pressure, and that opportunity and really thrives," Allen said. "Sometimes you see guys fall, and sometimes you see guys thrive. I think he's a guy who's going to thrive."

Allen also pointed to the five-round format as a factor working in his favor, noting that Duncan has never been tested past three rounds. "He better hope he catches me early because if he doesn't catch me early, we're really going to see what he's made of," Allen said.

Betting Angle

For bettors, Allen's comments add useful context to a fight that already looked competitive on paper. Allen's grinding, veteran style and five-round cardio are real assets against a younger fighter who hasn't had to answer deep-water questions yet. Market watchers should expect the line to tighten as fight week progresses, since Duncan's win streak and UFC Vegas 122 headliner billing could pull public money his way, while sharper bettors may lean toward Allen's experience edge in a potential championship-rounds scenario. Anyone eyeing the over/under should also weigh Allen's stated intent to pressure Duncan early and see how he responds under duress, a stylistic matchup that could make this fight finish inside the distance if Duncan cracks, or go the full 25 minutes if he survives the storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Brendan Allen fighting Christian Leroy Duncan instead of a higher-ranked opponent?

Brendan Allen said he works on a fight timeline and takes on whoever is next available rather than waiting for a ranked opponent, explaining he lacks the sponsorship money to sit out and wait.

What is Brendan Allen's current UFC win streak heading into the Duncan fight?

Brendan Allen enters his fight against Christian Leroy Duncan on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC middleweight division.

How many rounds is the Brendan Allen vs. Christian Leroy Duncan fight?

The Brendan Allen vs. Christian Leroy Duncan main event at UFC Vegas 122 is scheduled for five rounds.