“We Are Underpaid” – Brendan Allen Supports Rival Sean Strickland for Speaking Up About UFC Fighter Pay

Brendan Allen submitted Christian Leroy Duncan in the main event of UFC Vegas 122. The Louisiana native secured a crucial takedown in the fifth round and locked in a rear-naked choke to force the tap. After his win, he turned his attention to multiple fighters, including champion Sean Strickland.

Allen and Strickland fought back in 2020 during the pandemic days. Back then, Strickland got the TKO win, but the duo never rematched each other. Over the years, Allen has fired shots at the two-time middleweight champion for various reasons.

After his win at UFC Vegas 122, the Louisiana native spoke about Strickland’s current issue with the promotion. The middleweight champion is holding out for more pay. Allen admitted that he was happy with his paycheck, but understood the need for more pay.

I’m very thankful. I don’t wanna feel like I’m greedy or something like that. But, hats off to Sean (Strickland) for speaking up and trying to get more money, because if you look at the scope of things, based on statistics, we are underpaid. I ain’t trying to get cancelled, at least not by the bosses.

Brendan Allen via UFC Vegas 122 post-fight presser

Brendan Allen praises Sean Strickland for speaking up about fighter pay 🤝 “Hats off to Sean for speaking up and trying to get more money, because if you look at the scope of things, based on statistics, we are underpaid. I ain’t trying to get cancelled, at least not by the bosses.” [ via @ufc ]

— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) October 11, 2026

Strickland was the UFC’s first choice to defend his belt at UFC 335 in December. The middleweight champion holding out for may pay led the UFC to book Charles Oliveira vs Diego Lopes for the BMF title.

Strickland is not someone who will hold back. As such, the controversial fighter exposed the negotiation tactics of the UFC and compared his paycheck to that of Conor McGregor, who reportedly got $30 million at UFC 329.

At the moment, Strickland is thinking about leaving the UFC for boxing to make more money. Despite the torrid history, Brendan Allen supports the middleweight champion’s initiative to force the promotion’s hands into paying more money.

Brendan Allen berates Dricus Du Plessis, Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo

For years, Brendan Allen has always wanted to fight Dricus Du Plessis in the UFC. Allen always fire shot at ‘DDP’ after winning inside the octagon and UFC Vegas 122 was no different. However, this time, he included P4P podcast hosts, Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, to the mix.

This year’s UFC Oklahoma City main event featured a middleweight bout between Du Plessis and Usman. This was Usman’s second middleweight bout in the UFC. Du Plessis dominated the bout with his striking and won the bout by decision.

At the same time, Allen took issue with this matchup back in July. Now, after his win over Leroy Duncan, the Louisiana native once again discussed that main event matchup and even dissed Cejudo in the process.

Kamaru was an easier fight than me. I’m younger, hungrier, faster, and stronger. I think I’m technically better. I was the harder fight, so Dricus took the easier fight. He knows that. F Henry Cejudo, too. Trash podcast. Tell Usman he can see my boy Belal, and Henry can see me.

Brendan Allen via UFC Vegas 122 post-fight presser

So far, DDP has yet to respond. Meanwhile, Cejudo and Usman releases a new episode of their podcast on a weekly basis. As such, it remains to be seen if they will address the hostility from Allen in the upcoming episode.

Brendan Allen sends a message to Dricus Du Plessis

After his win at UFC Vegas 122, Allen is on a four-fight winning streak in the middleweight division. He will now look for higher ranked fights in the division.

Some fans think that this is the perfect time to book Du Plessis vs Allen. Moreover, Allen also want to DDP next, but revealed that he wouldn’t wait around for the former champion.

.@BrendanAllenMMA on if he has a message for DDP: "That motherf**ker knows what it is with me. He knows who I am. He always has something to say. He wants to keep taking the easier fights, take the f**king easier fights. I will keep sitting here and keep winning." https://t.co/5HJrI8Umto

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) October 11, 2026

With Strickland holding out for more pay, the middleweight title will only be defended sometime next year. As such, DDP and Allen will have to fight one more time before calling for a title shot. They could end up facing each other if the promotion decides to go that way.

Also Read:

• UFC Legend Kamaru Usman Contemplates Retirement After Lopsided Loss to Dricus Du Plessis
• Jorge Masvidal Tells $18 Billion Worth UFC to Not Mess Up Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett and Sean Strickland’s Pay