If Englishman Arnold Allen were having a bet, he says it would be Alexander Volkanovski he backs to eventually fight him for the UFC featherweight crown.
But still, he remains “worried” for the champ.
Same as he says Volkanovski’s aura has undeniably taken a hit, stating: “There’s no way your stock goes up after a first round knockout loss”.
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Currently ranked No.4 among UFC featherweights, Allen is looking to punch his way back into title contention against rising star Movsar Evloev at UFC 297 this Sunday.
After tearing through 10 fights undefeated – and putting Volkanovski in his sights – Allen suddenly had his run halted last April, suffering a unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway.
Yet with a win against Evloev, who is yet to taste defeat in 17 professional appearances, will put him right back in contention for UFC featherweight gold – which Volkanovski defends against Ilia Topuria at UFC 298 in February.
Of course, Volkanovski is also seeking a resurrection of sorts given his own title fight comes less than four months after being brutally knockout by UFC lightweight king Islam Makhachev.
So as for who has the title by the time Allen gets there?
“I’m not sure,” the Englishman told Fox Sports Australia this week.
“I do think Volk wins (against Topuria) but I am worried about if we’re going to see the best version of him.
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“After being knocked out in his last fight, I actually wanted him to take more time off.
“But he’s gone out and said he wants to fight so hopefully we see the best version of him.
“Hopefully he doesn’t come in half guns blazing because he had a crap camp because of the concussion issues and whatever.
“He’s been at the top a long time and it’s hard to keep that spot when everyone is coming for you.”
Allen also suggested Volkanovski has lost some of his aura, continuing: “Volk was so dominant for a long time.
“Even in that first loss against Islam, it was so close that it was 50/50 or people thought he won.
“So his stock went up even after that loss.
“But now obviously with the knockout … there’s no way your stock can go up after a first round knockout.
“And I actually thought he was crazy for taking that fight.
“Weeks before you saw him with the stitches, with his arm in a cast … I thought ‘man, what is he doing’.
“He’s said he was going through a couple of things and hopefully he’s all good and back now.”
So as for his own title aspirations against Volk?
“I’ve definitely fantasised about it,” he admitted of what would be a blockbuster Ashes showdown.
“But right now it’s all about the guy I’ve got next.
“Until I’ve got there I’m not thinking about it too much.
“Had I beat Max, yeah, I would’ve got the title shot.
“And I know that (after the loss) there are guys in my division who want to forget me now.
“Who want to say ‘he’s out of the way, OK cool’.
“They think ‘we can hush this guy a little bit’.
“So this performance, I want to show I’m still here.
“And that I ain’t going anywhere.”
So as for being the underdog against a guy ranked at No.9?
“I’m not surprised,” he shrugged.
“Not at all.
“He’s undefeated and on a big streak.
“So I need to show what I’ve I got.
“Show everyone that I’m still at the top … (Laughs) or nearly at the top.”