Arnold Allen's New Challenge

Arnold Allen, a 30-year-old professional fighter from Ipswich, is no stranger to challenges. With a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) that started when he was just 14, he has faced numerous battles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). However, his latest challenge is a different kind of fight. After suffering a hand injury during his last bout, Allen has set his sights on an Olympic-style triathlon.

Allen's journey into the world of triathlons began unexpectedly. "In the first round of my last fight, I threw a left hand and hit the top of the guy's head," Allen recalls. The blow resulted in a familiar pain, reminiscent of a previous hand injury. Despite the discomfort, Allen persisted, securing a decision win. Now, he's paying the price for his determination, but he's not letting it slow him down.

While his hand injury has temporarily sidelined him from MMA fighting, Allen is using this time to push his physical limits in a new way. He's been training for a triathlon, an endurance event that involves an Olympic-distance swim, run, and cycle. This Sunday, he'll take on this challenge in Kent.

Allen's triathlon training has been a balancing act. He's still committed to his martial arts training, albeit with some modifications due to his injury. "I just can't hit anything with my left hand, so I'm doing Muay Thai punching and kicking with one hand, boxing training with one hand, and still lifting weights," he shares. Juggling his triathlon training with his regular martial arts regimen has left him "sorer than usual," but he's not deterred.

The triathlon will test Allen's endurance with a 1.5km swim, a 24-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run. He's aiming to complete the event within three hours, but he admits the swim will be the most challenging part. "When you jump in the water, there's a hundred people grouped up," he explains. "You get kicked in the head, and people are bundling over each other. I have a phobia of deep water, so I try not to think about it when I'm in the river swimming."

Despite the physical and mental challenges, Allen is optimistic about his future in MMA. He hopes to return to competitive fighting before the end of the year and has his sights set on becoming a UFC world champion. "If I'm fit at the end of this triathlon, hopefully I can start doing my hand rehab and get back into camp to try and get something before the year is out," he says.

Allen's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Even in the face of injury and fear, he's found a way to keep pushing his limits, proving that a true fighter never backs down from a challenge. Whether in the UFC ring or on the triathlon course, Arnold Allen is a force to be reckoned with.

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Who is Arnold Allen?

Arnold Allen is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from Ipswich, competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

What type of triathlon is Arnold Allen participating in?

Arnold Allen is participating in an Olympic-style triathlon, which includes a 1.5km swim, a 24-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run.

Why is Arnold Allen participating in a triathlon?

Despite being injured and unable to fight, Allen is participating in the triathlon to raise money for charity and to keep himself physically trained and challenged.

What injury did Arnold Allen sustain?

Arnold Allen injured his left hand during his last MMA fight after throwing a punch that hit the top of his opponent's head.

How is Arnold Allen coping with his injury during training?

Allen continues to train in various aspects of martial arts, except for sparring, to avoid using his injured hand. He is also training for the triathlon by running, swimming, and cycling.