Brendan Cody Allen Bio
Brendan Cody Allen is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on December 28, 1995, Allen has been active in professional MMA since 2015 and is recognized as a former Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Champion. As of October 21, 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Brendan Allen was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, to parents Michelle and James Allen. His maternal grandparents hail from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has an older brother and began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 13 after observing a class with his brother. During high school, Allen competed in wrestling and boxing in Mississippi, laying the foundation for his mixed martial arts career.
Allen attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where he majored in criminal justice. His early MMA training took place at Clementi’s Gladiator Academy, where he developed his skills before turning professional. He won the IMMAF 2015 Amateur Middleweight Championship before embarking on his pro career.
Path to MMA
Allen began his professional MMA career in 2015 fighting in various regional promotions in the southern United States. He quickly made a name for himself by capturing the Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Championship twice, defeating notable opponents Tim Hiley and Moses Murrietta. These achievements helped him earn a contract with the UFC following a submission victory on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2019.
Throughout his early career, Allen trained with several teams including Clementi’s Gladiator Academy and Roufusport, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills. His progression through the ranks was marked by consistent performances and a growing reputation as a formidable middleweight competitor.
Brendan Cody Allen Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Allen’s professional debut came in 2015, competing primarily in the welterweight division before moving up to middleweight in 2016. He fought under multiple regional promotions and quickly established himself as a rising talent. His early career was highlighted by capturing the Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Championship twice, showcasing his submission and striking capabilities.
During this period, Allen trained at Clementi’s Gladiator Academy and later joined Roufusport in 2017, which helped elevate his technical skills and fight IQ. These formative years set the stage for his entry into the UFC and higher-level competition.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Allen made his UFC debut in 2019 after earning a contract through Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round submission win. His first UFC fight was against Kevin Holland, where he secured a second-round submission victory. He followed this with a first-round TKO win over Tom Breese in early 2020, demonstrating his striking power.
Throughout his UFC tenure, Allen has faced a range of opponents, earning notable wins via submission and decision. He has showcased versatility with victories over Karl Roberson, Punahele Soriano, Sam Alvey, Jacob Malkoun, and Krzysztof Jotko. Allen earned multiple Performance of the Night bonuses for his submission finishes, highlighting his grappling prowess.
In 2023 and 2024, Allen continued his ascent with wins over André Muniz, Bruno Silva, Paul Craig, and a split decision victory over Chris Curtis. Despite setbacks such as losses to Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov, Allen has remained a top contender. His fight against Marvin Vettori in July 2025 earned Fight of the Night honors, and he secured a technical knockout win over Reinier de Ridder in October 2025, solidifying his status among the elite middleweights.
Kill Cliff FC Era (2020–Present)
Since joining Kill Cliff FC, Allen has benefited from high-level coaching and training partners, which has contributed to his improved performances inside the octagon. His current training also includes time at the VFS Academy in Chicago starting in 2025, reflecting his commitment to continuous development.
Allen’s recent form with Kill Cliff FC includes several submission victories and key decision wins, positioning him as a serious contender for the middleweight title. His strategic approach and well-rounded skill set have made him a challenging opponent for anyone in the division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Brendan Allen is known for his strong grappling skills, holding a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He combines effective striking with a high-level submission game, often finishing fights with rear-naked chokes and ankle locks. Allen’s reach and height advantage at 6 feet 2 inches allow him to control distance effectively. His ability to adapt mid-fight and maintain composure under pressure are key strengths.
Notable Events and Milestones
Allen’s career milestones include winning the Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Championship twice and earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC. His Fight of the Night award against Marvin Vettori and his technical knockout of Reinier de Ridder in 2025 stand out as signature moments. Allen’s rise to the #5 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings marks a significant achievement in his career.
Brendan Cody Allen Career Wins
Brendan Allen has accumulated a professional MMA record of 26 wins and 7 losses. His victories span knockouts, submissions, and decisions, reflecting his versatility and finishing ability across multiple promotions and the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Allen has secured numerous wins in the UFC middleweight division, including notable submission victories over Karl Roberson, Sam Alvey, Krzysztof Jotko, André Muniz, and Paul Craig. His first UFC win came via submission against Kevin Holland, setting the tone for his grappling dominance. His most recent UFC win was a technical knockout against Reinier de Ridder in October 2025. Allen’s performances have earned him several bonuses and recognition as a top contender.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to the UFC, Allen was a two-time Legacy Fighting Alliance Middleweight Champion, with key wins over Tim Hiley and Moses Murrietta. He also won the IMMAF 2015 Amateur Middleweight Championship, marking his early promise in the sport.
Brendan Cody Allen Family
Family Background and Lineage
Brendan Allen comes from a family with Canadian roots through his maternal grandparents from Edmonton, Alberta. He has an older brother who influenced his early interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His parents, Michelle and James Allen, supported his athletic pursuits from a young age.
Personal Life
Allen is married to Marcela. The couple has three children: two daughters born in 2019 and 2021, and a son born in 2024. The family resides in Delray Beach, Florida. Allen has occasionally represented the Canadian flag in competition due to his family heritage.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Brendan Allen has continued to build momentum in the UFC middleweight division. He secured a Fight of the Night award in July after a unanimous decision victory over Marvin Vettori. Later that year, Allen won a main event bout against Reinier de Ridder via technical knockout, showcasing his striking improvements and endurance.
Allen’s training at Kill Cliff FC and the VFS Academy in Chicago has contributed to his evolving skill set and strategic approach. His performance in 2025 positions him as a leading contender for the middleweight title, with a strong outlook for future championship opportunities.