Arnold Allen: The Versatile British Contender in the UFC Featherweight Division
Arnold "Almighty" Allen, born on January 22, 1994 in Felixstowe, England, is one of the most promising and technically gifted fighters in the UFC's featherweight division. Allen is known for his excellent striking, strong grappling, and his ability to execute smart and strategic fights. As one of the best fighters from the United Kingdom in the UFC, Allen has quickly made a name for himself by picking up several impressive victories and establishing himself as a serious title challenger in the division.
Early Life and Career
Arnold Allen grew up in a sporting family in Felixstowe and took up martial arts at a young age. He initially trained in kickboxing and later in mixed martial arts (MMA), which led to an all-round fighting style with strong foundations in both striking and grappling. Allen was quickly recognised as a talented fighter on the regional circuit in the UK.
He began his professional MMA career in 2012, fighting in regional promotions such as Cage Warriors. With his technical skills and determination, Allen built an impressive record, which eventually led to his UFC debut in 2015.
UFC Career
Arnold Allen made his UFC debut on June 20, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 69, where he defeated Alan Omer via submission (guillotine choke) in the third round. The performance earned him a "Performance of the Night" bonus and established him as a rising star in the featherweight division.
Allen has since gone on an undefeated streak in the UFC, with wins over some of the toughest competitors in the world, including Makwan Amirkhani, Mads Burnell, Gilbert Melendez, Sodiq Yusuff, and Dan Hooker. His fights are characterized by his smart approach, combining his striking, grappling, and cardio skills to outclass his opponents.
In March 2022, Allen faced experienced Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 204. He won the fight via TKO in the first round after a dominant and aggressive performance, cementing his status as a top contender in the division. The win earned him another "Performance of the Night" bonus and moved him closer to the top of the featherweight division.
In October 2022, Allen picked up a submission win over Calvin Kattar, another respected fighter, at UFC Fight Night 213, further cementing his position as one of the top competitors in the division.
Style and Technique
Arnold Allen is a complete fighter who is both technically and physically strong. His fighting style is characterized by his excellent striking, with sharp and accurate punches and kicks. Allen moves well in the octagon and knows how to create distance effectively and use openings to land his attacks.
While his striking is his greatest weapon, Allen also possesses strong grappling skills. He has a solid background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling, which allows him to take his opponents to the ground and maintain control. His ability to switch between striking and grappling makes him a versatile and unpredictable fighter.
What sets Allen apart from many other fighters is his intelligence in the octagon. He is patient and strategic, meaning he is often able to wear his opponents down and find openings to turn the fight in his favor.
Major Victories
One of Arnold Allen's most notable victories was his TKO victory over Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night 204. This dominant performance, in which he knocked out an established name in the sport, cemented his place as a serious contender in the featherweight division.
His 2022 win over Calvin Kattar was another major achievement as it proved he is capable of competing against the best fighters in the division and moving further up the ranks towards a title fight.
Future Ambitions
Arnold Allen is determined to break through to the top of the UFC featherweight division. With his impressive undefeated streak in the UFC and his ability to adapt and improve, he is well-positioned to challenge for the title in the long run. Allen remains focused on further developing his skills and hopes to earn a chance to challenge for the UFC featherweight title in the near future.
His ambition is to become the first British UFC featherweight champion and represent his country at the highest level of the sport.
Conclusion
Arnold "Almighty" Allen is one of the most promising and technically gifted fighters in the UFC featherweight division. His versatile skillset, combined with his intelligence and patience in the octagon, make him a constant threat to his opponents. As he continues to work his way up, Allen remains a fighter to watch, with the potential to become a title challenger in the near future. His determination and talent make him a potential future champion in the UFC.