On March 22, 2025, at the O2 Arena in London, the spotlight shone brightly on two rising fighters in the UFC lightweight division during the highly anticipated UFC London event. Unfolding amidst significant expectations, Chris Duncan faced off against Jordan Vucenic in a battle that proved pivotal for both competitors.
Chris Duncan (4-1 UFC), known to fans as "The Problem," entered the Octagon as a surprising +300 underdog against Vucenic (0-2 UFC), a former Cage Warriors champion. The fight had a humorous subplot; both fighters had wagered on the outcome, agreeing that the loser would have to permanently ink their opponent's nickname as an X-rated tattoo. This quirky bet set the stage for an intriguing clash.
The opening round began cautiously, with both fighters sizing each other up. However, it didn’t take long for Duncan to make his mark. Just over a minute into the fight, Duncan landed a powerful right hand that dropped Vucenic to the canvas. Duncan seized the moment, following up with ground control, showcasing his grappling skills early on.
Despite showing resilience, Vucenic struggled to recover from the early onslaught. Duncan effectively dominated the round, leveraging his experience to land significant elbows from top position. Vucenic clawed back to his feet, but Duncan's deft grappling kept him grounded.
As the second round commenced, Vucenic sought to gain momentum with some crisp striking. Unfortunately for him, an ill-timed takedown attempt left him vulnerable. Duncan capitalized on the mistake, quickly transitioning to a guillotine choke. The hold was expertly executed, forcing Vucenic to tap out at the 3:42 mark of Round 2. This marked Duncan's second consecutive victory via guillotine choke, earning him a definitive win and boosting his UFC resume.
After the match, Duncan expressed pride in his performance, noting the significance of the win against a formidable opponent. "It’s an amazing feeling to get my second win like that," he reflected during his post-fight interview, before pivoting to a challenge for fellow contender Terrance McKinney, hinting at a potential showdown at the upcoming UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami. In a show of camaraderie and respect, Duncan also credited his training at American Top Team, singling out Thiago Alves for his assistance in refining his striking skills.
For Vucenic, the defeat marks a troubling 0-2 record in the UFC, contrasting sharply with his earlier reputation as a rising star in the European MMA scene. Following back-to-back losses, Vucenic now faces critical questions about his future within the promotion.
Despite the ups and downs of the night, Duncan's performance stands out as a beacon of promise within the competitive landscape of the UFC. Not only did he secure a win that could elevate his standings, but he also set himself up for a potential title chase down the road. "I want to fight the best," Duncan confirmed, echoing the aspirations of many young fighters trying to carve a name for themselves. As he aims onward toward the horizon of the UFC’s lightweight division, the spotlight will certainly be on him.
This fight encapsulated the drama and unpredictability that mixed martial arts fans adore, leaving spectators enthused about future matchups and the personal narratives that unfold inside the Octagon. Whatever happens next, Chris Duncan has firmly planted himself as a name to watch, while Jordan Vucenic will be looking to regroup and forge a new path after an unexpected setback.
