‘Almighty’ won 12 consecutive fights over the course of nine years, putting him on the verge of challenging Alexander Volkanovski for the UFC featherweight title in 2023.
However, like most 145lb contenders, he was first paired up against former champion Max Holloway, who has repeatedly proven to be the division’s second-best fighter.
‘Blessed’ defeated Allen in five rounds last April, but the Englishman says nothing has changed ahead of his return battle at UFC 297 on Saturday night.
In fact, the 29-year-old claims that sharing the Octagon with Holloway taught him that he can go five rounds with the world’s finest fighters.
“People keep asking me if I learned anything, but I haven’t,” Allen told talkSPORT.com.
“All I know is that I can go five rounds with the finest. I have the fitness and cardio to keep up with these elite athletes.
“Max Holloway is the King of Five Rounds, and I was following him around the ring in the fifth round.
“I was pushing the pace.” I have the cardio, the pace, the conditioning, and the ability to do it on my own.”
Allen admits his first loss since August 2014 was disappointing, but he claims it has inspired him to approach his newest camp with an entirely different mindset.
He continued, “It was s***. It’s s***.
“I was knocking on the door of big things, and with a poor performance, or whatever, it’s all gone, and I’m back in the dog pile trying to earn my way back up.
“It’s what it is.” We return to the gym, rebuild, and go forward with a fresh emphasis. “It lit a fire in my a**.”
He now fights Movsar Evloev, a 17-0 Russian competitor.
The 19-2 MMA fighter realises the challenge ahead of him and is determined to seize his opponents’ undefeated record in spectacular fashion this weekend.
Allen stated, “He’s a good opponent.” He’s at the elite level, has some major wins, is improving with each fight, and is supported by an excellent crew.
“So, yes, I’m expecting a tough struggle. You know, he’s undefeated; he’ll arrive in full confidence that he’ll win, and so will I.
“This is going to be an MMA fight. You know, it won’t be a three-round kickboxing contest. It won’t be a straightforward wrestling battle. I am going to make it an MMA battle.
“It’s about getting out there and making a statement.
“I believe he is extensively avoided and a formidable opponent. So it’s about going out there, dominating, and looking nice while doing so.
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