Athletico fanatic, John Allan wants to continue the club's success and win his first UFC victory this Saturday

J. Allan is a Brazilian promise in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Recovered from a knee injury, John allan is ready for his first fight in the 2021 season. Part of one of the biggest events of the year, the athlete spoke exclusively to SUPER FIGHTS about the fight against dustin jacoby. The confrontation takes place on the preliminary card of the UFC 268, this Saturday (6), in New York (USA).

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Brazilian promise in light heavyweight (up to 93kg.), John allan hasn't performed since December 2020. Now, it's time for the fighter to make up for lost time.

Downtime

Without fighting for almost a year, John opened up about his downtime in professional fights. However, anyone who thinks that the fighter did not continue competing in some way is mistaken.

“I'm feeling really good. Despite the time away, it was a period of a lot of growth. I was left without competing, but I was not without a fight. In the last few months, I had some fights at the gym. I don't feel the lack of rhythm and I also don't feel anxious for the fight. I want to work and show what I've done in these last few months. I had surgery in January, I had a knee injury. From January to July, my preparation was focused on recovery. I lived 24 hours for this. I changed the focus of the fight and thought about my knee. It was an excellent recovery. The knee doesn’t bother me anymore”, he declared.

Greatest career moment

This weekend, Allan will experience something historic for athletes in the sporting world. The confrontation in UFC 268 takes place in one of the greatest temples of martial arts: Madison Square Garden. Competing on a stage that has already celebrated fighters like Muhammad Ali, the Brazilian does not hide his emotion and guarantees to live the best moment of his career.

“It’s the same proportion as a football player playing at Maracanã. It is a great opportunity. I'm very happy with that. If the UFC gave me this chance, it's because they really trust in my work, they see potential in me. It's an event where any of the last eight fights could be main event fights. It is the temple of fights. Without a doubt, it is the greatest moment of my career, even without having fought”, he confirmed.

Quarry ahead

Excited to be part of one of the biggest MMA shows of 2021, Allan knows he won't have an easy life inside the octagon. Jacoby's rival, the Brazilian, then pointed out the strategy he will try to put into play this weekend.

“Dustin is a striker, he comes from striking. He likes to play from distance and, if he allows it, he will cook the fight. He likes to fight from his comfort zone. What we're going to do, then, is take him out of that comfort zone. Really work on MMA. I'm a striker, I like punching, I come from what is perhaps the biggest striking school in the world, which is Chute Boxe. I'm an MMA fighter and I'll fight wherever I need to.

Follow in Athletico's footsteps

Fanatic of Athletico Paranaense, finalist in this season's Copa do Brasil, Allan is inspired by his favorite team to achieve his first positive result for the UFC. According to the Brazilian, 2021 will be a victorious year for both sides.

“I think this year will be successful for us. We will beat Galo (Atlético-MG). I'm definitely going to have a great fight, a great performance. I'm very focused, very happy, confident. This is decisive for victory. It will be a great day and a great fight”, he concluded.

Athletes' history

At 28, John allan is heading towards his 21st fight as a professional in MMA. The athlete today has 13 wins, six losses and one 'no contest'.

Responsible for trying to ruin the Brazilian's party, dustin jacoby will make his 22nd commitment in the sport. Currently, the fighter has 15 triumphs, five setbacks and one draw.