Arnold Allen is gearing up for his upcoming clash against Movsar Evloev at UFC 297 this Saturday at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. In his last fight, Allen’s impressive 10-fight undefeated streak in the Ultimate Fighting Championship was halted by a unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway.
Beyond the spotlight of the Octagon, there exists a tapestry of lesser-known details that add layers to the English mixed martial artist’s persona. Ahead of this high-stakes clash with Evloev, let us explore five things you might not know about Allen. Perhaps they can shed some light on the man behind the fighter. From his hobbies to the influential figures in his life, these insights contribute to the compelling narrative of a fighter on the cusp of making a statement:
1. He chose his path at a young age.
Hailing from Suffolk, England, Allen’s mixed martial arts journey began during his teenage years. Before turning professional in 2012, “Almighty” engaged in several amateur fights, laying the foundation for future success in organizations like Ultimate Challenge MMA and Cage Warriors Fighting Championship. He was also the Made 4 The Cage lightweight champion before he signed with the UFC.
2. Hobbies keep him busy away from fighting.
Beyond his love for MMA, Allen has diverse interests. He enjoys off-roading, mountain biking and, quite simply, indulging in good food. Allen also has a YouTube channel dedicated to sharing food vlogs besides other stuff, documenting his dietary choices during weight cutting and showcasing his post-fight indulgent meals.
3. His competitive drive can be traced to his father.
Behind Allen’s success is the influence of his father, Pacer. A former English strongman who briefly transitioned into MMA, Pacer fought five times, three as an amateur and twice professionally. Pacer’s background as a traveling strongman inspired Arnold to pursue a career in MMA. Allen regularly features his father on his YouTube channel, providing a glimpse into their strong father-son bond. In a past interview with Morning Kombat, the UFC star recounted a childhood incident in which he was playing a UK version of the curb-hitting game kerby. When his ball accidentally hit a neighbor’s window, the neighbor not only confiscated the ball but slapped Arnold. Seeking justice, Arnold informed his father. His father confronted the neighbor, executing a double-leg takedown and ground-and-pound to reclaim the ball. The incident, akin to a scene from “Step Brothers,” became a quirky source of confidence for Arnold.
4. He proved at least one doubter wrong.
Allen faced challenges in his early life, getting expelled from school for being, in his own words, “a pain in the ass.” However, the pivotal moment came when a teacher doubted his potential, telling him he would never amount to anything. This criticism fueled Allen’s determination, motivating him to pursue a career in martial arts.
5. Thoughts of retribution fuel his imagination.
Allen’s dream fight is not against a fellow UFC featherweight; it is against his brother, Jake, who happens to be a professional strongman. In a revealing interview, Arnold shared childhood memories of his brother tormenting him, making his dream fight a unique family affair. The tale of collecting dragons and enduring his brother’s antics adds a personal Touch To the fighter’s narrative.
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