In the high-stakes world of professional mixed martial arts, the battles often extend far beyond the canvas. While physical prowess determines the victor within the octagon, a different kind of warfare — psychological and verbal — frequently plays out in the public eye, shaping narratives and building anticipation. This dynamic is currently on full display in the UFC middleweight division, where reigning champion Dricus du Plessis and contender Brendan Allen are engaged in a simmering rivalry that promises to add an extra layer of intrigue to UFC 318.
The Unlikely Genesis of a Grudge
Their feud traces its roots not to a contested decision or a championship bout, but to a seemingly innocuous encounter at a training gym. Du Plessis, known for his candid and often provocative demeanor, reportedly quipped about a religious tattoo on Allen’s arm, suggesting its biblical reference numbers (1:2-7) might instead represent his professional MMA record. This jest, though perhaps intended lightheartedly by Du Plessis, landed with the force of a knockout blow for Allen, igniting a personal animosity that has persisted for years.
Allen, understandably, did not take kindly to the perceived slight. In the years that followed, ‘All In’ has consistently questioned Du Plessis’s path to the middleweight throne, labeling some of the champion’s victories as fortunate rather than purely skilled. He pointed specifically to instances, such as Du Plessis`s bout against Marcus Perez, where the South African, according to Allen, appeared to be losing before securing a “lucky” finish through an unconventional strike. This narrative of “luck” versus “skill” became a central tenet of Allen`s critique of the champion`s ascent.
“Up until that point (the Robert Whittaker win), we can definitely, easily, 1,000 percent fact say that he had the easy road, and he was losing every single one of those fights until he came back and got the finish. Some of those were lucky.”
The Champion`s Counter-Punch: Strategic Taunts
A true champion, however, rarely lets such accusations go unanswered. Du Plessis, who recently claimed the undisputed middleweight title, has proven adept not just at fighting but also at the art of psychological warfare. With Allen now facing a precarious situation—entering UFC 318 on a two-fight losing streak and on the brink of a career-threatening third—Du Plessis seized the opportunity to unleash a calculated volley of taunts.
In a move that drips with a subtle, yet cutting, irony, Du Plessis publicly declared he was “sending some of my luck” to Brendan Allen, adding with pointed emphasis, “you need it more than me.” The message was clear: a direct jab at Allen’s previous claims of Du Plessis`s good fortune, now twisted to highlight Allen’s own current misfortune. Further solidifying his stance, Du Plessis openly stated his support for Allen`s opponent at UFC 318, Marvin Vettori, citing Allen’s past demeanor towards him.
This isn`t merely crude trash talk; it`s a strategic maneuver designed to apply pressure, undermine confidence, and control the narrative. By rooting for Allen`s opponent, Du Plessis not only reinforces his disdain but also indirectly heightens the stakes for Allen’s performance. A loss for Allen would not only extend his losing streak but also grant Du Plessis further ammunition for his relentless mockery, as evidenced by his previous post-fight taunts following Allen’s defeat at UFC Paris.
The Stakes for Allen at UFC 318
For Brendan Allen, his preliminary card closer against Marvin Vettori at UFC 318 is more than just another fight on the card, which is headlined by Dustin Poirier`s much-anticipated bout. It is a crucible moment, a chance to halt a downward spiral and silence a very vocal critic. A victory would not only prevent a damaging three-fight skid but also provide the necessary momentum to once again push towards title contention and, perhaps more importantly, earn the right to directly challenge Du Plessis, not just in words but in the octagon itself.
The middleweight division, already bustling with talent, becomes even more compelling when personal feuds intertwine with championship aspirations. The ongoing verbal sparring between Dricus du Plessis and Brendan Allen serves as a potent reminder that in combat sports, the fight is often as much about mind as it is about body. As Allen steps into the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, he carries not just the weight of his performance, but the echoes of a champion`s taunts, eager to prove that skill, not just luck, will determine his future.
