Christian Leroy Duncan scored the biggest win of his career on Saturday, defeating Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Fight Night 281.
The middleweight bout took place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where Duncan improved his professional record to 15-2 MMA and 8-2 in the UFC, while Cannonier moved to 18-10 MMA and 11-10 in the UFC.
“I knew Cannonier was tough, but for him to take some of the shots and carry on fighting, it surprised me,” Duncan said after the fight. “It surprised me. He's called 'The Gorilla' for a reason. To beat a former title challenger – and he's been a contender for a long time and fought the best in the middleweight division – I think I've now solidified my place in the middleweight division. Potentially now, there's a single-digit next to the name. I'm going after some big fights, some big names. (Kamau) Usman and (Dricus Du Plessisare fighting) right now. I'm sure some of these will be in my future, as long as I keep heading in the right direction. I'll just keep taking each step as it comes and keep evolving. I say yes any time a name is given to me.”
Duncan said the performance was about composure over chaos. “It was more sticking to our game plan and staying patient,” he explained, later adding that he learned “patience and discipline” from the bout and that he now views himself in the top 10, welcoming “any challenge” as he chases UFC gold.
