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Brendan Allen Squashes Beef with Marvin Vettori After UFC 318 Victory, Confronts Coach Drama
The Superdome in New Orleans witnessed more than just another UFC victory this weekend — it hosted the end of a heated rivalry and the start of some fresh drama that has fight fans buzzing across social media.
Brendan “All In” Allen delivered a masterclass against Marvin Vettori at UFC 318, securing a decisive win that had the Louisiana crowd on their feet. But what happened after the final bell might be getting even more attention than the fight itself.
From Bitter Rivals to Respectful Competitors
I’ve covered dozens of UFC feuds over the years, but watching Allen and Vettori embrace after three rounds of warfare showed why this sport transcends simple violence. These two middleweights had been exchanging verbal jabs for months, with tensions reaching boiling point during fight week.
“The beef is squashed,” Allen told reporters during the post-fight press conference. “We’re fighters, man. We say things in the heat of the moment, but there’s always respect between warriors when it’s all said and done.”
Allen’s performance proved why he’s quickly becoming one of the division’s most dangerous contenders. His improved striking and relentless pressure had Vettori backpedaling throughout much of their contest, silencing critics who questioned his readiness for top-tier competition.
Backstage Drama Unfolds with Vettori’s Coaching Team
Just when you thought the story ended with a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, Allen revealed that not everyone in Vettori’s camp was ready to let bygones be bygones.
“One of his coaches tried to get in my face backstage,” Allen explained, visibly still heated about the encounter. “Look, I have respect for Marvin — we settled our differences in the cage like men. But his coaches? That’s unprofessional. You didn’t step in there with me tonight.”
The altercation reportedly required UFC security intervention, adding another chapter to what’s becoming one of the more intriguing storylines in the division.
Emotional Homecoming for Louisiana’s Rising Star
Fighting in New Orleans clearly meant something special to Allen, who trained in Louisiana earlier in his career. You could see the emotion on his face as he entered the arena to a thunderous hometown reception.
“Fighting in Louisiana was everything I dreamed it would be,” Allen said, his voice cracking slightly. “These people supported me before I was anybody in this sport. To deliver a performance like that, against a guy like Vettori, in front of them? Man, that’s the stuff you visualize during those brutal training sessions.”
The win marks Allen’s seventh consecutive victory, cementing his position as a legitimate title contender in the UFC’s 185-pound division.
Fighter | Current Win Streak | UFC Ranking (Pre-UFC 318) |
---|---|---|
Brendan Allen | 7 fights | #6 Middleweight |
Marvin Vettori | 0 fights (1-3 in last four) | #5 Middleweight |
What’s Next for “All In” Allen?
With this signature win in his back pocket, Allen didn’t waste time setting his sights on bigger challenges.
“I’ve been saying it for a while now — I’m the best middleweight in the world,” Allen declared. “The champion, whoever that is after Dricus and Israel fight, they know I’m coming. Nobody in this division has my mix of skills, heart, and determination.”
Allen specifically mentioned interest in facing the winner of the upcoming bout between former champion Israel Adesanya and current belt-holder Dricus Du Plessis, though he acknowledged another top contender fight might be necessary first.
Fan Reactions Pour In
You know a UFC fight delivers when social media explodes, and the Allen-Vettori matchup certainly achieved that. Fans and fellow fighters alike praised both competitors for their heart, while the post-fight drama with Vettori’s coaches had Twitter and Instagram buzzing with hot takes.
UFC legend Michael Bisping weighed in during commentary, saying Allen “has transformed into a complete fighter” and “represents the new generation of middleweights who can do it all.”
Looking Ahead: Allen’s Championship Path
If you’re wondering whether Allen has what it takes to become champion, tonight’s performance offered compelling evidence. His evolved striking, grappling prowess, and newfound ability to execute a strategic gameplan suggest he’s no longer just a prospect but a fully realized contender.
The middleweight division is experiencing a renaissance with fresh blood like Allen, Du Plessis, and Sean Strickland reshaping the landscape that was dominated by Israel Adesanya for years.
For now, Allen returns to his training camp with another impressive victory and likely a bump in the rankings. But make no mistake — the target on his back just got bigger, and the challenges will only get tougher from here.
Have you been following Allen’s rise through the ranks? Do you think he has what it takes to wear UFC gold? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: UFC 318 Post-Fight Press Conference