The Haunting 'What If': Ex-UFC Star's PFL Regret After Near Du Plessis Upset

In the cutthroat world of mixed martial arts, careers hinge on pivotal moments, and few understand this better than former UFC middleweight Brendan Allen. A man known for his tenacious spirit and formidable ground game, Allen now carries a poignant ‘what if’ – a deep-seated regret regarding his decision to ink a deal with the PFL, especially when viewed through the lens of a fight that could have, and perhaps should have, changed everything.

The moment in question harks back to EFC 83 in 2019, an unforgettable clash against none other than the now-reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, Dricus du Plessis.

It was a fight for the ages, a brutal back-and-forth encounter where Allen came agonizingly close to finishing 'Stillknocks.' He landed monstrous blows, pushing du Plessis to the brink of defeat, only for the South African to rally and secure a submission victory, a testament to his incredible resilience.

For Allen, it was a bitter pill – so close, yet so far from a victory that would have dramatically reshaped his professional narrative.

Following that career-defining battle, Allen embarked on a successful run within the UFC, establishing himself as a legitimate contender. Yet, the shadows of past decisions linger.

His eventual move to the Professional Fighters League (PFL) was, at the time, a strategic career choice. However, with du Plessis’s meteoric rise to UFC gold, the contrast in their paths has become stark, leading Allen to candidly express a profound sense of remorse. The PFL, while offering unique opportunities, couldn't replicate the path to UFC championship glory that du Plessis ultimately seized.

One can only imagine the mental replays, the endless 'what if' scenarios that plague a fighter’s mind.

What if that final blow had landed? What if he hadn’t taken that submission? What if he had chosen a different trajectory post-UFC? Allen’s regret isn’t born of bitterness towards du Plessis, but rather a profound introspection on a decision that, in hindsight, seems less than optimal. It’s the human element of a high-stakes profession, where every choice, every second, carries monumental weight.

This candid admission from a fighter of Allen’s caliber serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in MMA.

It’s a powerful testament to the emotional toll of a career where a single fight can define a legacy, and a single decision can lead to years of reflection. Brendan Allen’s journey continues, but the echoes of that fateful night and the subsequent PFL signing will undoubtedly remain a significant chapter in his story.