Arnold Allen Rejects Quick Turnaround for UFC London
In a recent statement, Arnold Allen, the renowned British MMA fighter, has made it clear that he will not be making a quick turnaround for the upcoming UFC London event. Allen, who is set to face fellow featherweight contender Jean Silva at UFC 324, has expressed his desire to stay on the championship path rather than participate in what he considers a "throwaway fight" in London.
Allen's Stance on UFC London
When asked about the possibility of a quick turnaround for UFC London, which is scheduled for March 21, Allen was blunt in his response. "Look at my f*cking record," he said at UFC 324 media day. "That ain’t happening. Maybe in 2013, I think I had like, six, seven fights in a year. Yeah, maybe then." Allen emphasized his commitment to maintaining a high level of performance and preparation for world-class fights.
Desire for a Title Contender Fight
Allen expressed his aspirations for a No. 1 contender fight, stating, "Winning here, OK, maybe don’t give me a title fight, but winning here it’s a No. 1 contender fight next. So I don’t want to just go, ‘Oh, have a six-week quick turnaround after,’ I want to be ready, prepared for world-class fights. I want that title fight."
Challenges and Criticisms
Allen has faced criticism for his light schedule over the past few years. The 31-year-old returned to the win column with a decision victory over Giga Chikadze in July 2024, which was only his sixth fight since 2020. Despite the criticism, Allen insists that scheduling issues have played a significant role in his inactivity.
Scheduling and Inactivity
"The other layoffs I’ve had, I was ready the whole year," Allen said. "It was a lot of scheduling, ‘We’re going to the UK in six months, we’ll put you in there. Keep doing that and stay ready.’ I’m a bit more of a name now than I was then, so I think I deserve a bit more than just a London slot once a year." Allen believes that his current status as a well-known fighter warrants more than just a spot on a London card.
Impact of Fan Criticism
Making matters worse for Allen is the awareness of how MMA fans view his lack of in-cage activity. He admitted to spending much of 2025 reading negative comments on social media. "I’ve just been very depressed, sitting at home injured and reading messages from people calling me shit," Allen said. "‘Arnold, you’re shit. Why are you ranked? You shouldn’t be ranked, you c*nt.’ I’m like, ‘I don’t f*cking sit there on Tuesday and make the rankings.’ But yeah, that’s what I’ve been doing."
Allen’s Path to the Title
Allen’s upcoming bout against Jean Silva is a crucial test for his ambitions. With a victory, he hopes to secure a No. 1 contender fight and move closer to a title shot. The Englishman has been a top-ranked fighter on the UFC’s 145-pound roster for years, though his path to a title shot has been hindered by inactivity and recent losses to Movsar Evloev and Max Holloway.
Preparation and Mindset
Allen is fully committed to his preparation and mindset for this fight. He understands the importance of this bout not only for his career but also for his credibility. "I want to be elite," he added. "I’m not at that stage where I just want to take any fight for the sake of it."
Conclusion
Arnold Allen’s stance on the quick turnaround for UFC London reflects his dedication to his craft and his aspirations for a title shot. With a victory against Jean Silva, Allen aims to stay on the championship path and silence his critics. Fans and the MMA community will be watching closely to see if Allen can rise to the occasion and secure his place among the elite fighters in the UFC.
