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Brendan Allen explains unexpected fight as he slams former UFC champion for ‘hiding’

Originally posted on HITC | By Filipe Guedes | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 4:03 PM ET

Brendan Allen has taken a surprising step in his next UFC move, reportedly advancing into negotiations to face Edmen Shahbazyan despite the gap between them in the rankings.

The fight is expected to take place at the UFC Apex in June as part of a Fight Night card.

Allen enters the bout as the sixth-ranked middleweight and is riding strong momentum after back-to-back wins.

On the other hand, Shahbazyan remains unranked, holding a 9-5 UFC record despite a recent resurgence.

Brendan Allen accuses Dricus du Plessis of ‘hiding’ amid title picture frustration

Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images

Allen addressed his decision directly via Instagram, pointing to a lack of movement from former champion Dricus du Plessis.

“DDP went into hiding and I’m here to fight anyone and everyone and put some money in my bank!” he published on Thursday night.

Du Plessis has not booked a fight since losing his belt to Khamzat Chimaev seven months ago, leaving a gap in the division’s title picture.

In that context, rather than wait for a higher ranked opportunity, Allen has opted to stay active and keep building momentum, even if it means facing an opponent outside the rankings.

The match-up is set to feature on a card headlined by Belal Muhammad vs Gabriel Bonfim on 6 June.

There is no official confirmation about Allen vs Shahbazyan yet, but multiple sources suggest it is almost a done deal.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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