LONDON – Arnold Allen has a simple goal after winning at UFC on ESPN+ 5: avoid another year-long layoff.
Allen (14-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) has not competed more than once in a calendar year since 2014. He’s put together an undefeated run in the UFC, which includes a unanimous-decision win over Jordan Rinaldi (13-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) at UFC on ESPN+ 5, but it came after a 10-month layoff.
If Allen were able to fight most consistently, he believes he would be a lot further along in the UFC’s featherweight division. Now, he just wants to stay healthy and make up for lost time by facing a ranked opponent next.
“It’s been on the goal list for the last three years, and (expletive) keeps coming up,” Arnold told reporters, including MMA Junkie, post-fight on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 5. “Getting injured and delayed and whatnot. My goal this year is to not have one fight and be back next year in London; ideally before that. Any time before London next year I’ll be happy. As long as it’s 2019.”
Allen’s victory over Rinaldi was the featured preliminary bout at UFC on ESPN+ 5, which took place at The O2 in London and streamed on ESPN+.
Although he was disappointed he couldn’t get the finish, Allen said he’s happy he kept his game under control for three rounds and didn’t make any ill-advised moves.
The 25-year-old Brit still believes he has a lot to show and thinks better competition will bring that out of him. He has eyes on the top 15 but said he wouldn’t call out a specific opponent.
“It’s not going to excel my career not calling anyone out, but I’ve got to stay true to myself,” Allen said. “That’s not me. I will be in that position one day to call for top five and title fights, but I’m not in that position now, so it makes no sense to call someone out.”
For complete coverage of UFC on ESPN+ 5, check out the UFC Events section of the site.
