Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori had a brief altercation at a casino following a PFL event, with differing accounts of the incident and ongoing personal animosity stemming from past comments.
Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori have vivid memories of their recent clash outside the cage, though their stories diverge on certain details.
In August, these UFC middleweights got into a brief scuffle at a casino after a PFL event in Hollywood, Florida. The encounter was short, yet intense, with both fighters making contact before being separated.
Ahead of their UFC 318 fight, media day buzzed with questions about the incident. Allen shared his version, recalling how he was at the event with his wife and friends, supporting teammates. He’d heard whispers that Vettori was looking for him, but shrugged them off.
As Allen was leaving, he saw Vettori swinging at his friend Tuco. Tuco tried to calm things down, reminding Vettori of Allen’s pregnant wife. But chaos ensued.
Allen described how his friend struck Vettori in the throat, prompting Allen to rush over. Amidst a crowd of around 40 people, Vettori slipped away and reappeared behind Allen.
In the confusion, Allen was accidentally hit by Tokkos, who was defending him. UFC fighter Michael Johnson then cleared a path for Allen and Vettori to face off.
Allen noted how Vettori locked eyes with him. With cameras capturing every angle, Allen had a choice: walk away or confront Vettori. He chose the latter.
Despite the tension, Vettori kept retreating. Allen found himself grabbed from behind, even with 30 teammates present. The police eventually intervened.
Allen isn’t sure if their beef is personal, but thinks it may stem from past comments criticizing Vettori’s fights. He finds the ongoing animosity puzzling.
“I always thought the guy was a bit delusional,” Allen remarked. Criticism, he believes, is part of the game. If Vettori got mad over a comment, Allen thinks they’re just different.
Vettori’s recount was less detailed. He wondered why Allen hadn’t followed up since the incident. He recalled his shoulder being injured at the time, yet he still confronted Allen.
Vettori felt the situation was chaotic, with security swarming and nothing substantial happening. He was frustrated that Allen couldn’t land a punch, even with a sucker punch attempt.
To Vettori, the beef is personal. He doesn’t hide his dislike for Allen. “For sure, I definitely don’t like the guy,” he stated plainly.
It’s clear the tension is palpable, and both fighters are ready to settle it in the octagon.