Brendan Allen, a rising star in the UFC middleweight division, is grappling with more than just opponents as he prepares for his February rematch against Anthony Hernandez. The 28-year-old fighter recently revealed that he is battling a gnarly staph infection, an unwelcome complication in the lead-up to their anticipated showdown at UFC’s return to Seattle.
Brendan Allen’s Fight Begins Early With Staph Infection Scare
Allen, who was riding high on a seven-fight win streak before a recent loss to Nassourdine Imavov, shared alarming photos on social media, including one of his arm with a gaping wound from the infection. While staph infections are a known hazard in combat sports, this one poses a serious challenge for Allen’s recovery and training schedule.
For now, Allen has some breathing room as his rematch against Hernandez is still two months away. The fight is scheduled for February 22 at the Climate Pledge Arena. This bout is not just a shot at redemption but also an opportunity to reestablish his climb toward title contention.
Staph infections, while treatable, can lead to severe complications if not addressed properly. This includes risks like toxic shock syndrome or blood poisoning.
Allen’s story highlights a recurring issue in MMA, where athletes are exposed to infections due to the nature of the sport and shared training environments. Many fighters, including other notable names, have faced similar health challenges in their careers.
The big question remains whether Allen will recover in time to face Hernandez. Regardless of the outcome, Allen has another battle to fight long before he steps into the octagon.
