Brendan Allen continues to pave his winning streak.
During Saturday’s UFC Jacksonville event, the promising middleweight competitor secured his fifth consecutive victory by submitting renowned striker Bruno Silva (23-9) in the first round. Allen (22-5) exchanged powerful blows with Silva before ultimately taking him down with a rear-naked choke submission.
Catch Allen’s intense victory moment below.
Following his win, Allen firmly positioned himself as a significant player in the 185-pound category, with an ambition to take on UFC champion Israel Adesanya in the coming year.
“I am the youngest contender in the top 15 with some of the most bouts,” Allen remarked. “I’m really in the game, I’ve been here and I haven’t even peaked yet, I have more to show. I am destined to be the next champion. I am the sole contender to pose a threat to the reigning champion in all aspects. Hence, Izzy, ‘And New’ in 2024, I’m on my way.”
While Allen, aged 27, didn’t mention a specific name for his next bout, he hinted at Jared Cannonier and Dricus Du Plessis as potential opponents.
Questioning Allen’s potential for the championship at this stage seems absurd, given his recent impressive victory. Despite Silva’s reputation for his kickboxing skills and knockout power, Allen eagerly entered the fray with him. Ultimately, it was Silva who succumbed to Allen’s onslaught of punches, and when the opportunity presented itself on the ground, Allen swiftly secured the submission.
The official time for the match stoppage was 4:39 of Round 1.
Four out of Allen’s last five victories have come from a rear-naked choke. As the No. 13 middleweight in the MMA Hook Global Rankings going into Saturday, Allen is expected to rise in the ranks shortly.
Silva’s recent record is less glowing, having lost three out of his last four fights, even though his most recent win was a first-round TKO against Brad Tavares.
