Skirting expected release, UFC Fight Night 27's Ben Alloway now seeks redemption

UFC welterweight Ben Alloway is somewhat surprised he’s about to have another opportunity to showcase his skills in the world’s premier MMA organization, but with that said, he intends on making the most of his second chance.

Following an underwhelming decision loss to Ryan LaFlare in his most recent trip to the octagon in April, Alloway thought for certain he was on his way out of the promotion.

“I was actually expecting to get my walking papers after my last fight,” Alloway told MMAjunkie.com Radio (www.mmajunkie.com/radio). “It was a horrible fight – fighting a guy who wants to just lay around on me.”

The UFC is typically quick to release fighters who don’t produce the goods in the cage – especially those who were cast members on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show franchise.

Luckily for the Australian, the UFC brass saw something in him they felt was worthy of another chance.

Alloway (12-4 MMA, 1-1 UFC) looks to maximize that chance when he meets promotional newcomer Zak Cummings (15-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) on the preliminary card of Wednesday’s “UFC Fight Night 27: Condit vs. Kampmann 2? event at Indianapolis’ Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Their bout is part of the Facebook stream that precedes FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2 bouts.

Cummings is a talented American who was eliminated in the opening round of “TUF 17,” but throughout his career, he’s competed against UFC veterans such as Terry Martin, Tim Kennedy and Ryan Jimmo.

The 29-year-old is a ground-based fighter who’s earned eight of his 15 career wins by submission. Alloway, on the other hand, has been forced to tap the canvas in three of his four professional defeats.

Purely going off their records and fighting styles, it’s not difficult to put one and one together and assume Cummings will be eager to take the fight to the ground and look for submissions.

While that would appear to be the most logical game plan, Alloway isn’t concerned by his opponent’s biggest strength and believes the fight is unlikely to hit the mat anyway.

“I don’t really see it going to the ground, to be honest,” Alloway said. “I don’t think he’s too dangerous on the ground. I know he’s a tough guy, but I’m training in every aspect as I always do, and I’ll be prepared wherever it goes.”

Alloway may not see danger in Cummings’ grappling game, but he must be weary of a repeat of his most recent fight, ion which LaFlare outpointed him due to superior control and positioning.

The 32-year-old is fully aware of this, and with no nagging injuries this time around, Alloway wants to rebound from an unimpressive defeat and prove the UFC made a smart decision in keeping him around.

“Thanks for not giving me my walking papers, and I’m looking forward to putting on a show this time,” Alloway said. “I’m healthy and I’m ready to go.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 27, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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