‘I’m just not the likable guy’: UFC Vegas 122’s Brendan Allen gets real on bridging gap between accomplishment and popularity
UFC fighter Brendan Allen discusses the disconnect between his professional success and his lack of popularity with fans. He explains his decision to remain active in the octagon despite feeling undervalued by the promotion's marketing.
Why it matters
Highlights the ongoing tension between athlete performance and the 'entertainment' requirements of modern combat sports.
Brendan Allen is just being himself, and sometimes, in the UFC business, that’s not enough to get a fighter where they need to go.
Allen returns to action this Saturday when he faces Christian Leroy Duncan in the main event of UFC Vegas 122. After winning a shocking piece of matchmaking against Edmen Shahbazyan in his most recent outing at UFC Vegas 118 in June, “All In,” and many others, expected Allen to get a fight with one of the top six names in the division.
While Allen fighting Duncan makes more sense than Shahbazyan did, he was asked if he was suprised by the booking.
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