Brendan Allen successfully extended his winning streak to five last Saturday, after submitting dangerous striker Bruno Silva in the first round at UFC Jacksonville. Although he welcomed a stand-up fight with Silva, Allen proved to be the superior fighter by rocking him on the feet before finishing with a rear-naked choke submission.

Allen emerged from the fight declaring himself a major contender at his weight class and voiced his intentions to face UFC champion Israel Adesanya next year. Given that he is the youngest fighter in the top 15 with one of the most impressive track records, it is hard to doubt his ambitious claim.

Allen reiterated his status as a genuine threat to the champion, boasting that he is the only one with the all-around skills to match Adesanya, and promised to brandish a new reign as the champion by 2024. Though he did not call out any specific opponent, Allen talked about Jared Cannonier and Dricus Du Plessis as possible contenders for his next bout.

Allen’s latest win showcased his grandeur as a fighter, and anyone doubting his championship potential would be ill-advised. Silva, a well-known kickboxer with impressive knockout power, was no match for Allen’s sheer tenacity and fluidity, clearly outmatched by Allen’s striking skills in the ring.

It was no surprise that this win was yet another display of Allen’s relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport as he now boasts four rear-naked choke controlled victories in his last five matches.