Canada is in for a treat when Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev kick off the main card at UFC 297. Between the pair, they have a 17-1 combined record in the UFC with the only loss coming to Max Holloway. The winner of the fight is all but guaranteed to enter the title picture and could be next to challenge the winner of Alexander Volkanovski vs. Ilia Topuria.
Arnold Allen comes into the fight off that loss to Max Holloway. Before that fight, Allen won 10 straight in the UFC including wins over Dan Hooker, Calvin Kattar, and Sodiq Yusuff. Allen is no stranger to a tough fight and is presented with one against the unbeaten Evloev.
Movsar Evloev has had a similarly impressive start to his UFC career. Riding a 7 fight win streak, he looks to pick up his biggest win tonight. The Russian hasn’t been as active as he’d like, having 9 bouts canceled throughout his UFC tenure. A win over the #4 ranked Allen would propel him to the top of the division
Allen vs. Evloev Recap
The first round was a very close striking affair until Evloev secured a late takedown. From there, Allen pulled off some incredible scrambles but Evloev was able to stay on top and end the round there.
Allen seemed to increase the volume and mix up his strikes more to start round 2, however, Movsar was able to implement his wrestling about halfway through the round. The two separated from the clinch and continued a calculated striking battle. With about a minute left in the round Evloev caught Allen with a massive right hook that wobbled Allen. Allen recovered quick and landed a big left hand, but seemed to be down 2-0 heading into round 3.
The Englishman came out very hard in round 3, pressing the action while landing some quick combinations with his hands. Allen landed a series of knees while Movsar’s hand was down, leading to a cut opening on Evloev and a pause in the action. The replay showed some of the knees might’ve been legal, however Allen was only assessed a warning. Allen picked up right where he left off when the action resumed, landing some bombs until the final bell.
After an incredibly high-level fight, Movsar Evloev was given the nod via Unanimous Decision (29-28×3). He moves into the title picture and takes the #4 ranking at 145 pounds.
UFC Fighters React to Movsar Evloev Grinding Out Arnold Allen
Who did you think won the fight? Does Movsar Evloev fight for a title next? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured Image credit to Embed from Getty Images
