Why Arnold Allen is Proud To Be Facing his ‘Autism Brother’ in Jean Silva: “It’s an interesting clash”

UFC featherweight contender Arnold Allen is ready to prove himself against Jean Silva this weekend.

On Saturday night, Arnold Allen returns to the cage following a long injury-related absence as he prepares to battle Jean Silva at UFC 324. If he can pick up a decisive win, there’s every chance that he could vault himself a big step closer to receiving a world title shot at 145 pounds – although, things are looking pretty stacked at the top of the division right now.

Either way, Arnold Allen knows that he’s facing an incredibly dangerous opponent in the form of Jean Silva. He’s also someone who likes to test the waters with some mind games, recently suggesting that both he and ‘Almighty’ share the similarity of being autistic.

In a recent interview, Arnold Allen spoke about how he feels heading into such a huge moment in his mixed martial arts career.

Arnold Allen looks ahead to Jean Silva clash

“I’ll be honest, I think he’s a lovely bloke. He’s a nice guy. We had a hug and a handshake and everything – hugged his wife and that. I know he does a lot of gamesmanship and stuff, but he’s a top bloke. He knows what he’s doing. 

“He’s very calculated: he’s got his little notepad, he’s watching everything, he’s watched every one of my teammates’ Instagram stories, my Muay Thai coach Ian’s benders he’s been posting on the internet. 

“Maybe I’m interesting because I’m quiet and awkward, he’s interesting because he’s loud and crazy. Maybe that’s where we’ve got a mutual respect for each other, because we’re like autism brothers, you know. I’m not officially diagnosed – I was diagnosed with ADHD as a kid, maybe they got it wrong and I’m autistic instead – but yeah, it’s an interesting clash.”

Allen needs to prove to himself and the world that he doesn’t have any ring rust in the wake of his big lay-off, and if he’s able to go in there and put on a real show against Silva, he could be put right up there with the likes of Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy.