American fighter Brendan Allen displays great self-confidence two days before his fight against Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov on Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Paris 2024. Facing the No. 4 contender in the -84kg category, “All-in” , No. 8, is confident of winning before the end of the three rounds. And so as not to leave the Parisian public indifferent to the man who grew up in Marseille, he presented himself with a PSG jersey on Thursday during the media day.
It will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of a crazy evening at Bercy. Frenchman Nassourdine Imavov will play big against Brendan Allen in the UFC co-main event. In front of his audience, the number 4 in the -84kg category will be under pressure against a less well ranked opponent (n°8) but who remains on an impressive series of seven consecutive victories in the cage. A very confident fighter who does not hesitate to question himself when Nassourdine Imavov is presented to him as a complete fighter. “It’s really complete,” he asks, interviewed on RMC Sport. “On paper, it’s a striker versus grappler duel. I think he’s going to be shocked in terms of striking.”
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Brendan Allen: ‘Imavov hasn’t fought anyone like me’
“All In” has its strengths too. Like being able to finish your opponents with a rear choke. This has been the case in five of his last seven fights. And in Paris? Allen won’t be choosy. Only victory interests him, but in style. And if possible before the end of the three rounds. “I take what comes, no matter submission or TKO. If it comes, I’ll take it. If it’s not within my reach, I’m not going to go crazy. I’m going to do my best to finish it. I’ll take it opportunities.”
And to look forward to Saturday evening, puffing out his chest: “I think I’m going to break him and finish him in less than three rounds. I don’t think he’s fought anyone like me, I’m different.” And just to gain a little sympathy from a Parisian public who we imagine are totally committed to Imavov’s cause even if the latter grew up in Marseille, Brendan Allen has already shown his attachment to Paris. This Thursday, he appeared before the media with a PSG jersey printed with his name…
ABr with Alexandre Herbinet
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