The perennial question of youth versus experience was definitively answered recently at the UFC Apex. Arnold Allen faced the rapidly ascending Melquizael Costa, aiming to demonstrate the caliber of an elite UFC fighter to the young Brazilian. What unfolded was 25 minutes of sheer dominance, with “Almighty” thoroughly outclassing Costa. From striking and wrestling to cardio, the Englishman held the advantage across the board, securing a unanimous decision victory. Now, the pertinent question arises: who is next for this seasoned veteran?
Option #1 – El Pantera
In my assessment, the most logical next step is a bout against Yair Rodriguez. This matchup has been a fan-driven desire for years, with Allen and Rodriguez consistently being pitted against each other in hypothetical scenarios. However, these two striking powerhouses have yet to share the octagon. Truthfully, fans would likely be content with almost any fight for “El Pantera.” Despite being one of the most dynamic and fluid fighters in the organization, inconsistency in fight frequency has been Rodriguez’s primary challenge. Yair has only competed once since 2024, marking his return with a spectacular victory over Patricio Pitbull. Supporters are eager to witness Rodriguez’s comeback after another extended period away. What better way to return than against one of the division’s most well-rounded adversaries, Arnold Allen? This bout promises to be a legendary contest. Both fighters possess world-class striking skills, though they manifest in distinct ways. Rodriguez is a threat from any position, displaying remarkable dexterity in executing powerful kicks, knees, and elbows from various angles. Arnold Allen, on the other hand, adopts a more aggressive striking approach, maintaining a high-pressure style that could serve as the perfect counter to Rodriguez’s diverse arsenal of attacks.
This would undoubtedly be a fight for the fans, a spectacle years in the making. With elite striking talent on both sides and top-five rankings at stake, an Allen vs. Rodriguez showdown feels tailor-made for a Fight Night main event.
Option #2 – The Miracle
Should Yair Rodriguez not be available for a fight in September or October, we must consider alternative prospects. Look no further than England’s other featherweight prodigy. Currently ranked #3 in the division, Lerone Murphy presents a significant opportunity for Allen to advance towards a potential title shot. Murphy began his UFC career with an undefeated streak in his first 10 fights, seemingly on a trajectory to challenge Volkanovski for the championship. However, the UFC is a demanding arena. In his title eliminator bout against Movsar Evloev, Murphy fell short in a closely contested majority decision defeat. While many believed Murphy had done enough to secure at least a draw, the judges’ scorecards told a different story. Now is the time for a comeback, and Murphy has recently expressed his desire to return in October of this year. This timeline aligns perfectly with Arnold Allen’s potential next outing, making a clash between them a compelling prospect. It would be a battle for English featherweight supremacy, with immense bragging rights for the victor. This sounds like a recipe for an explosive encounter.
Either Yair Rodriguez or Lerone Murphy would represent a substantial next step for Allen in his pursuit of UFC gold. Having recently defeated an opponent ranked lower, both fighters would be a highly deserved challenge. However, if UFC management decides that the Englishman must once again face an opponent from further down the rankings, one fighter stands out as a deserving contender.
Option #3 – El Chino
Do I believe this matchup would be a fair test for Arnold Allen? No.
Do I believe this matchup would be a contender for fight of the year? Absolutely.
Kevin Vallejos has been nothing short of electrifying since his UFC debut in 2025. With a 4-0 record in the organization and three devastating knockouts, the Argentinian has rapidly cultivated a substantial fanbase. Just this past March, Vallejos demonstrated his immense danger. In 25 professional fights, Josh Emmett had only been knocked out once. Stalwarts like Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy, and Dan Ige had all failed to finish the resilient veteran. Despite this, Vallejos overwhelmed Emmett, rendering him unconscious in the very first round. This was a true statement victory, solidifying Vallejos’s position within the division’s top 10, and it’s clear the UFC is eager to accelerate his rise through the rankings.
If “El Chino” is to be taken seriously as a threat to the featherweight throne, he needs to deliver another monumental performance. Arnold Allen could very well be that performance. Allen has never been finished in his 25-fight career, a familiar testament to his durability. The winner of this potential bout would have to endure significant adversity to emerge victorious.
In essence, whoever the UFC ultimately chooses to match Arnold Allen against can expect a fierce battle. The Englishman showcased his high level against Costa this past weekend and appears poised for a top-five ranking challenge in the featherweight division next.
English Translation:
The age-old question of youth versus experience was once again answered this past weekend at the UFC Apex. Arnold Allen faced off with the surging Melquizael Costa, looking to show the young Brazilian what it takes to be elite in the UFC. What followed was 25 minutes of pure dominance, with “Almighty” putting a beating on Costa. Striking, wrestling, cardio, it all seemed to favour the Englishman as Allen cruised to a unanimous victory. The question is, who is next for the veteran?
Option #1 – El Pantera
To me, there is a clear right answer to this question – Yair Rodriguez. This feels like a matchup years in the making, with Allen and Rodriguez constantly matched together by fans. Still, we have yet to see these two striking giants share the cage. In truth, fans would be happy with just about any matchup for “El Pantera”. Despite being one of the most exciting, fluid fighters inside the organisation, activity has been the thorn in the Mexican’s side. Yair has fought just once since 2024, welcoming Patricio Pitbull to the UFC with a scintillating victory. Fans are eager to see Rodriguez return after another lengthy layoff. What better return than one of the division’s most well-rounded opponents, Allen? This would be a fight for the ages. Both men carry world-class striking, albeit in far different areas. Rodriguez is a threat from anywhere, carrying the dexterity to throw huge kicks, knees, and elbows from any angle. Arnold Allen is far more aggressive on the feet, keeping a high-paced pressure style that could be the perfect antidote for Rodriguez’s array of attacks.
This would be a true fight for the fans, a spectacle years in the making. With elite striking and top-five stakes attached, Allen vs Rodriguez feels tailor-made for a Fight Night main event.
Option #2 – The Miracle
If Yair Rodriguez is not ready to return to action in September/October, then we must analyse potential alternatives. Well, look no further than England’s other 145-pound phenom. Ranked #3 in the division, Lerone Murphy provides a huge step towards a potential title shot for Allen. Having begun his UFC career undefeated in his first 10 fights, Murphy appeared to be destined to challenge Volkanovski for the crown. However, nothing comes easy in the UFC. In his title eliminator against Movsar Evloev, Murphy came up short in a razor-close majority decision defeat. Whilst many felt Murphy had done enough to at least earn a draw, the judges did not share the same sentiments. Now is the time to rebuild, with Murphy recently stating he hopes to return in October of this year. This would line up perfectly with Arnold Allen’s potential next adventure in the cage, so why not face the two off? A battle for England’s 145-pound crown, with huge bragging rights to the victor. Sounds like a recipe for fireworks to me.
Either Murphy or Yair Rodriguez would be a huge next step for Allen on his quest to UFC gold. Having just fought down in the rankings, both would be a very deserved reward. However, if the UFC brass decides the Englishmen must once more fight down, one man stands out as the deserved opponent.
Option #3 – El Chino
Do I think this matchup would be fair to Arnold Allen? – No.
Do I think this matchup would be a fight of the year contender? – Absolutely.
Kevin Vallejos has been nothing short of dynamite since entering the UFC in 2025. 4-0 in the organisation, with 3 vicious KO’s, the Argentinian has quickly amassed a huge following. Back in March, Vallejos showed just how dangerous he can be. In 25 fights, Josh Emmett had been knocked out just once. The likes of Ilia Topuria, Lerone Murphy, and Dan Ige had failed to finish the hardened veteran. Despite this, Vallejos ran through Emmett, shutting his lights off in the very first round. A true statement victory, Vallejos secured his place inside the top-10 of the division, with the UFC clearly keen to push him quickly through the rankings.
If “El Chino” is to be taken seriously as a threat to the throne, he needs to make another seismic statement. Arnold Allen could well be that statement. Allen has yet to be finished in his 25-fight career, sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The winner of this fight will have to traverse deep waters to leave the victor.
In truth, whoever the UFC decides to match Arnold Allen with will be in for a war. The Englishman showed his level vs Costa this past weekend, and seems destined for a shot at the top five of the featherweight division next.