UFC 286: Who is Christian Duncan?
By Brian Cook
UFC 286: A closer look at England's own Christian Leroy Duncan.
The UFC returns to the O2 Arena in London, England, Saturday, March 18, 2023, for UFC 286. The O2 Arena last hosted the UFC almost precisely one year ago. The card is full of UK fighters, and the UK fans always deliver.
One of England's top prospects, Christian Duncan, makes his Octagon debut Saturday. Former Dana White's Contender Series contract winner Dusko Todorovic awaits Duncan. Duncan joins the UFC roster after leaving Cage Warriors as their middleweight champion.
Duncan was initially scheduled to headline and defend his middleweight title in Cage Warrior's main event Saturday before he received notice his opponent could not fight after an accident. Just hours later, the UFC came calling, and now he's fighting in the O2 Arena for the MMA leader.
Christian Duncan had dreams of playing in the NBA before he found MMA
Before MMA, Duncan played basketball at the highest level in the UK and dreamed of being an NBA star. Instead, his footwork, athleticism, high-level strategy, and creativity will aid his MMA game. Brilliant striking leads that game and has led Duncan to an undefeated record through seven fights, including six finishes.
In Todorovic, Duncan faces a six-fight UFC veteran who owns a fight of the night bonus and a performance of the night. Todorovic is a jiu-jitsu black belt who's also willing to throw down.
Chris 'The Problem' Duncan will also debut at UFC 286
You read that correctly, Scotland's Chris Duncan faces Omar Morales at lightweight Saturday. Similarly, his opponent has six UFC fights under his belt as well.
In August, Chris Duncan earned his UFC contract in an incredible comeback knockout win on Dana White's Contender Series. After being battered early in the opening round, he landed a straight right-hand flush for the knockout seconds later.
Duncan (9-1) suffered his only loss to Viacheslav Borshchev in his first appearance on Dana White's Contender Series. He's fought three times in Bellator and won all of them inside the distance. "The Problem" is always looking for the finish, which could prove very dangerous for Morales coming off back-to-back losses by stoppage.
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