Chris Duncan is set to keep silencing online critics who claim he’s merely been fortunate in the octagon, as he gears up for a significant fight against England's Jordan Vucenic at the UFC Fight Night scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, in London. The 31-year-old Scottish mixed martial artist is looking to translate his growing reputation into a crucial victory that could propel him into the top 15 of the UFC lightweight division.
So far in his professional career, Duncan holds an impressive record of 12 wins and only 2 defeats. His last fight ended dramatically when he defeated Bolaji Oki via a first-round stoppage, a performance that not only showcased his skills but also earned him the Performance of the Night award and a hefty $50,000 bonus. "I have a lot of people saying I have become lucky in the opponents I have had and that last submission; some people online are saying it was lucky," Duncan shared with BBC Scotland, indicating that he’s aware of the chatter surrounding his rise in the sport.
Nevertheless, Duncan remains undeterred by the opinions of naysayers. "People who train with me, who are in my small circle, know how hard I work and know my greatest qualities when it comes to submissions—my attacks and my defense—so those people know how good I am," he asserted confidently.
With aspirations of competing up to three times this year, Duncan has set his sights on joining the ranks of the all-time greats within the UFC lightweight division. "That is where the all-time greats have been in the mix, and I class myself as one of them," he declared. He trains at the renowned American Top Team gym, where he constantly sharpens his skills alongside some of the best fighters in the world, a fact that bolsters his confidence. "I think five of them are in the top 15 in that gym, so I know how good I am, and they know how good I am. That is the next goal for me," Duncan elaborated.
The upcoming bout against Vucenic promises to be a test for Duncan, as his opponent brings a record boasting 13 wins and 3 losses from his 16 professional fights. "He seems to be pretty well rounded, but there are definitely areas that he doesn't do as well in, and I think I can exploit them," Duncan commented, highlighting his analysis of Vucenic’s fighting style. Interestingly, Vucenic is moving up from the featherweight division, which could play a significant role in their matchup, as Duncan anticipates that Vucenic might be the smaller fighter in the octagon.
Duncan's determination to rise in the UFC ranks is palpable. Reflecting on his career, he mentioned, "When I speak to people, I am very tough on myself, and people are like, 'mate, you have done so well. You are three and one in the UFC; many people don't even get to that stage; they end up having two or three fights and then they are cut.' I am very proud of what I have done. It is hard to see through the fog sometimes because I am so dedicated to the sport itself."
His journey through the mixed martial arts landscape has not only strengthened his resolve but has also highlighted the grit and grind that often goes unnoticed amidst the glitz and glamour of the UFC. As he prepares to face a talented opponent like Vucenic, Duncan embodies the spirit of relentless pursuit in the highly competitive world of combat sports.
Ultimately, this fight in London will serve as more than just a clash of fists; it will be a pivotal moment in Duncan's career, a chance to solidify his status and a step closer to realizing his dream of being among the elite level of fighters in his division. With the buzz around the event and the stakes involved, fans and analysts alike are keenly anticipating what Duncan will bring to the octagon.
As the fight night approaches, both fighters are bound to feel the weight of expectations and the thrill of competition. For Duncan, the goal is not just to win but to prove his skills once again, silencing critics along the way and making a strong case for his place among the best in the UFC’s lightweight division.
