A pair of ranked middleweight contenders collided in the UFC Seattle co-main event on Saturday. No. 9 ranked Brendan Allen faced No. 12 ranked Anthony Hernandez at Climate Pledge Arena in a rematch. The two first fought for the LFA title back in 2018 with Hernandez winning by unanimous decision.
Allen had a seven-fight winning streak snapped in his previous fight, losing to Nassourdine Imavov by unanimous decision last September. He made the walk to the octagon on Saturday looking to avenge the loss from seven years ago. Hernandez entered Saturday’s showdown riding a six-fight winning streak and looking to extend it.
Allen opened the fight with a leg kick. He followed up with another hard leg kick. Hernandez caught a ick and took Allen down. Allen worked his way back to his feet and they two jockeyed for position along the cage. Hernandez secured a second takedown and landed in side control. Allen rolled to his knees and Hernandez worked to take his back. Allen gained top position with two minutes remaining in the round. Allen worked in half guard. He isolated an arm but Hernandez quickly got it free. Hernandez gave up his back. Allen delivered short punches and looked for a choke. He connected with two hard elbows in the closing seconds. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Allen.
Hernandez closed the distance to start the second frame and took Allen down. Hernandez briefly looked for a guillotine choke but Allen defended the attempt.. Hernandez delivered a couple of short left hands. Allen scrambled but couldn’t get off the bottom. Hernandez moved go side control and Allen gave up his back. Allen reversed the position with just under two minutes left in the round. He took Hernandez’ back. Hernandez rolled and Allen stayed in the mount. Hernandez stood with Allen on his back and shook him off. Hernandez ended the round on top landing punches and elbows. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Hernandez.
The third round stated with what looked like an accidental eye poke to Allen. The fight was restarted and Hernandez closed the distance. Allen landed a right hand that forced Hernandez to retreat while holding his eye. Allen connected with a combination. Hernandez fired back with his jab and worked to get the fight to the ground. He continued to pressure Allen giving him no space. Hernandez relentlessly stayed on Allen who was on one knee. Allen briefly got on top but Hernandez put him on his back seconds later. The round ended with Hernandez controlling him. MMAWeekly score the round 10-9 for Hernandez.
The judges scored the fight for Hernandez by unanimous decision. All three scorecards read 29-28.
