Arnold Allen is looking for a big-name opponent and has called out Edson Barboza. The rising UFC prospect was set to face Jeremy Stephens on November 7. However, the latter has been forced out due to an injury, leaving Allen scrambling for an opponent.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Arnold ‘Almighty’ Allen ‘is one of the rising prospects of the featherweight division. Since joining the promotion in 2015, Allen has put together an impressive seven-fight win streak and is undefeated in the octagon.
Allen (16-1) holds wins over the likes of Makwan Amirkhani and Gilbert Melendez. His most recent fight came in January when he defeated Nik Lentz by unanimous decision.
Arnold Allen calls out Edson Barboza
Although it is unclear whether the UFC is seeking a replacement fight, Allen still took to social media to call out a potential opponent.
“Hey, (Edson Barboza) it would be an honor to share the octagon with you, let’s make it happen!” Allen posted on his Twitter account.
Hey @EdsonBarbozaJR it would be an honour to share the octagon with you, lets make it happen! @danawhite @seanshelby @arielhelwani @bokamotoESPN
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) October 30, 2020
Barboza has recently switched weight classes by moving down to featherweight. Having been a mainstay of the lightweight division for years, he felt that it was time for a fresh start. The fighter made his featherweight debut against Makwan Amirkhani earlier this month and claimed a massive unanimous decision win.
Having been in the UFC for a decade, Edson is known for his highlight-reel finishes. He has finished his opponents by body kicks, leg kicks, and even a spinning wheel kick to stack up an already impressive resume.
Allen looking for a big win
Allen vs Barboza would be an incredible fight showcasing Barboza’s incredible striking and Allen’s strong ground game. This would also be a chance for ‘Almighty’ to get a win over a huge name in the UFC, arguably the biggest in his career.
Allen is currently ranked #9 in the UFC’s featherweight rankings, while Barboza is at #14. Featherweight is one of the more stacked divisions in the UFC, with Alexander Volkanovski as its current champion.
Both fighters are eager to climb up the rankings. Hence, a fight between the two would be not only exciting but mutually beneficial. Allen would get an opponent with a big name in the promotion, while Barboza would get an opportunity to inch closer to the top 10 of the division with a win over the Englishman.
