Marvin Vettori is not the type of fighter who forgets unfinished business. So, when Dana White reportedly offered him #11-seeded Brendan Allen at UFC 318 on July 19, he didn’t hesitate, despite recent losses and a heavy heart. This is a fight that has been brewing for over a year, one that should have taken place at UFC Vegas 90 but was canceled when Vettori pulled out weeks before. Since then, the tension hasn’t cooled. And if anything, it’s boiled over. During a casino visit, trash talk flew, tempers flared, and the two almost fought. Now the two ranked contenders can settle the score properly—inside the cage.

This is more than just a matter of pride; it is a crossroads. Both Marvin Vettori and Allen are coming off consecutive losses, and neither can afford another mistake. Vettori is coming off a loss to Roman Dolidze and was annihilated by Jarod Cannonier before that. Meanwhile, Allen will get a chance to fight in front of his home crowd. ‘All-in’ lost to Anthony Hernandez at UFC Seattle back in February and also faced disappointment in a lopsided loss to #1 seeded Nassourdine Imavov.

The Louisiana native’s smooth submission game and once-impressive victory streak have faded, and worries about his chin and cardio are beginning to emerge. ‘The Italian Dream,’ on the other hand, has struggled to establish a rhythm. The former 185lbs title challenger was once known for his granite chin and unrelenting pace, but his recent performances have left him looking lifeless.

However, grudge contests with something to prove can flip a switch in a fighter. And if there’s one thing Vettori has always done well, it’s come through when others question him. Allen’s aggressive style may play into Vettori’s hands. Allen enjoys pushing the pace, but Vettori lives in chaos, especially when he can pound his opponent into the cage and drain their energy.

If he shows up sharp, ‘The Italian Dream’ can stop Allen’s momentum and turn this into a battle of endurance. And don’t forget that he has gone five rounds with the division’s finest. Despite his recent troubles, Marvin Vettori still possesses a level of experience that Allen lacks. The real question is whether he can put that expertise to use, or if the fire that once propelled him to title contention will fade.

After all, it is worth noting that while Marvin hasn’t spoken out publicly about his brother’s death in April. And the loss hangs in the background. He’s choosing to fight through it, not to tell a sad story, but because it’s the only way he knows how to move forward, carrying the weight that only he can feel. ‘The Italian Dream’ will fight to establish his worth on July 19, in a city recognized for its deep roots and strong emotion. And this time, it feels more important than ever. But how did his brother pass away? And has he opened up about it yet?

More details on the tragic passing of Marvin Vettori’s brother

The pain behind Marvin Vettori’s upcoming fight is deeper than any losing streak. As previously stated, he is bearing something greater than public pressure—he is carrying a major sense of loss. When he steps out in New Orleans, it won’t just be to silence critics or settle scores with Brendan Allen. It will be about holding together the pieces of himself that were shattered when his brother, Patrick, died in a horrific fire in Italy. That wound is still open, and while Marvin may present a powerful front, his silence in public interviews speaks more than his fists ever could.

The story of Patrick’s death is as heartbreaking as it is sudden. Patrick Vettori, only 30 years old, died in an apartment fire in Mezzocorona. This was reportedly caused by him accidentally leaving pasta cooking on the stove and falling asleep. Smoke engulfed the area before neighbors could react, and when rescue services came, it was too late.

Marvin Vettori did not rush to tell the media about the news. He waited. And when he finally spoke, it wasn’t in a press conference or an interview, but rather in a raw, emotional Instagram post. He shared old images, childhood memories, and wrote words to make any man tear up.

In that message, Marvin did more than just mourn his brother. The former title challenger also revealed a part of himself that the world rarely sees. He referred to Patrick as his strength, the “smartest and most intelligent” of the two. He also stated what many fighters would not dare to say: “I don’t think I will be the same after today.”

That amount of sensitivity shocked fans and fighters alike, prompting an outpouring of love and support. He’s not fighting this July to avoid grief; he’s carrying it with him. That agony is now in his corner. And as the cage door closes, it might just be what pushes him through the fire, one more time. What do you think? Will he win his fight against Brendan Allen? Let us know in the comments.