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UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig took place on November 18, 2023, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was headlined by a middleweight bout between former LFA Middleweight Champion Brendan Allen and Paul Craig. Allen was the more dominant fighter throughout the bout and secured a rear-naked choke submission victory in the third round.
The first round was a close and technical affair, with both fighters showcasing their grappling prowess. Craig attempted a body lock, but Allen quickly countered with a takedown and gained top position. Craig managed to defend Allen's submission attempts, but Allen controlled the position for the majority of the round.
The second round saw Allen continue his dominance. He landed powerful punches and elbows from the top position, opening a cut on Craig's face. Allen also attempted an arm triangle choke, but Craig defended well. Despite Craig's efforts, Allen remained in control and continued to inflict damage.
Submission victory seals the deal
In the third round, Allen landed two clean shots that stunned Craig. Craig attempted a double leg takedown, but Allen countered with a guillotine choke attempt. Craig escaped the choke, but as he tried to stand up, Allen took advantage of the opportunity and secured a rear-naked choke submission.
Craig tapped out, and Allen earned his 14th victory by submission and his 11th by rear-naked choke. After the fight, Allen expressed his desire to face a top-10 middleweight contender. He stated that he has proven his quality and is ready for a bigger challenge.
Allen also asked for an opportunity to fight in an elimination match for the next challenger spot.
Craig's future uncertain
Craig suffered his second submission loss in his career. While he has shown promise at middleweight, his skill set may not be enough to compete for the title at either light heavyweight or middleweight.
Craig will need to reassess his strategy and make adjustments if he wants to reach the top of the UFC ranks. Overall, UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Craig was an entertaining event that featured several exciting matchups. Brendan Allen emerged as the clear victor, showcasing his grappling dominance and earning a significant victory in the middleweight division.