Since Arnold Allen started his UFC career back in 2014, he’s only fought once a year. Plagued with past injuries, he’s looking to make 2019 his busiest year yet.

Allen is already scheduled for his second fight of the year when he takes on Gilbert Melendez next week at UFC 239 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Allen (14-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) perhaps has flown under the radar because of his inactivity, but he is happy to take on a legend in Melendez and on such a big card. The two previously were scheduled to fight last year at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale until an injury forced both of them out.

However, the opportunity was not lost for the Brit who since then notched a unanimous-decision win over Jordan Rinaldi.

“I asked for it subtly in interviews; I’m never going to call anyone out,” Allen told MMA Junkie. “People asked who I’d like to fight, and I said I wouldn’t mind getting that fight considering we did a camp for each other, and I guess that played a part in it. I think (the UFC) just liked the fight to be honest.”

And this will be a big fight for the 25-year-old Allen, who takes on veteran Melendez, 12 years his senior. It’s an opportunity that could put his name on the map.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity. I’ve been wanting something like that for a while now,” Allen said. “It’s nice to get busy, as well, and get more than just one fight a year. I’m looking forward to that.”

“I think a win here should put me in the top 15,” Allen added. “If I fight like (expletive) and get a win then it doesn’t really matter, but a good performance and I should be in the top 15.”

Melendez (22-7 MMA, 1-5 UFC) has fought the who’s who of MMA, and while the former Strikeforce champion is on a four-fight losing streak, Allen admits it might be hard to determine which version of Melendez he’ll get. He’ll just go with what he’s seen from him over the years.

“He’s had a lot of fights. You kind of know what he brings to the table,” Allen said. “That’s one nice thing about fighting a veteran: You kind of know what they’re going to do. He is hard to gauge, but I’m just going to assume that he’s going to bring the best version of himself.”

Melendez has been known to bite down on his mouth piece and throw down, and Allen is game should the fight go there.

“I’m prepared for anything,” Allen said. “I’ve had all sorts of fights. I’ve been in boring fights where no one gets hit and you end up winning without getting touched, and I’ve had fights where I’ve been in little brawls, type of grinding fights, so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.

“I’m just going to outpoint him, out-skill him, and I’m going to be a bit better than him on the night.”

Allen, who currently trains at Tristar Gym in Montreal, believes like he’s found his perfect home. He even often gets to train with one of the greatest fighters of all time, recently retired legend Georges St. Pierre.

“We’ve been doing a lot of wrestling actually, down at the wrestling club with Georges,” Allen said. “Whenever I’m down there, he throws me about a bit.”

This will be Allen’s first time fighting outside of Europe in his UFC career, and he’s looking forward to fighting under the bright lights in Vegas. Underrated or not, Allen doesn’t really care. He’d much rather let his performances do the talking.

“I kind of like flying under the radar,” Allen said. “I don’t want to be that hype train guy. I want to go out, do my business and go home. This is definitely a fight to come out and show my ability and out on a good performance against a big name.”

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