UFC Vegas 44: Brendan Allen Explains His Dislike For Sean Strickland

Las Vegas, NV — Brendan Allen does not like Sean Strickland. He has made it known since his loss to him last year.

Allen (17-4) returns to the octagon for the third time this year on Saturday at UFC Vegas 44. He was supposed to fight top 15 ranked Brad Tavares; however, the Hawaiian pulled out of the fight in November. Roman Dolidze replaced Tavares but then had to withdraw from the fight as well. Chris Curtis, who picked up a knockout win in his UFC debut at UFC 268, stepped up on short notice again.

Curtis just happens to be a training partner of Strickland, who Allen despises. Allen told Cageside Press last week that he plans on beating Curtis up right in front of Strickland, and the more he talks, the worse it will get.

Strickland was the first man to beat Allen inside of the octagon and snapped his seven-fight win streak when they met a year ago. “All in” has been trying to get the rematch and will continue to do so.

“I think we all know that he’s not going to take it, which if I was a businessman, okay, it doesn’t make sense right now. Eventually, the fight will make sense. I don’t know, he is a big talker, but to me, it’s a facade… It doesn’t make sense now, but when the time comes, I promise I am will make headlines,” Allen told the media, including Cageside Press, at the UFC Vegas 44 media day on Wednesday.

On top of wanting to prove that the loss to Strickland was lucky, Allen simply does not like him.

“I don’t like him. I don’t like him as a person. I don’t care for him. I think that’s what makes it real rough,” Allen said. When asked if he would choose a title shot or a rematch with Strickland, Allen said he wants the rematch.

“I’ll do it for half the money; the money is not the problem… At the end of the day, I’m a man and when you disrespect me as a man, keep the same energy when you’re out here. Don’t tell me you’re building hype or you’re doing this or that; at the end of the day, I’m not going to disrespect you unless I really want to fight you. I don’t talk about people’s families, religion; to me, those things are off-limits. He crossed those lines, and I feel like he crossed the line for other people. I’m different; when I say things in an interview, I mean it; it’s not talking sh*t. It’s what I believe.”

Allen did say that if Strickland apologizes for the things he said, which includes talking about Allen’s daughter, he will forgive him, and it will be over. Until then, the grudge isn’t over, and Allen definitely wants the rematch with Strickland.

Watch the full UFC Vegas 44 media day appearance from Brendan Allen above. The event takes place this Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Apex in Las Vegas. More coverage from Wednesday’s media day can be found below.