UFC Fight Night: Duncan ready for first main event, against Brendan Allen

Brendan Allen (left) and Christian Leroy Duncan face off during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in event. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Christian Leroy Duncan believes his recent victories over experienced opposition have prepared him for the biggest test of his UFC career, as he gears up for his first main event against Brendan Allen in the middleweight division.

The British fighter, who secured decision wins over Jared Cannonier and Roman Dolidze in his recent outings, will headline this weekend’s UFC event in a five-round contest.

Duncan believes the lessons from those hard-fought battles have helped him develop the patience and tactical awareness needed to succeed against seasoned opponents.

“Both of the fights with Roman and Cannonier taught me how to deal with that tricky veteran style, guys that are experienced and know how to drag fights out and make them tough. With Cannonier being so durable and bringing a fight at the same time, that taught me a lot about being patient and setting things up a lot more effectively,” Duncan said.

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While his victory over Cannonier highlighted the importance of durability and composure, the contest against Dolidze reinforced the need to balance patience with confidence in his own abilities.

“They were two fights that were wins, but also came with a lot of lessons in both of them,” he added.

The five-round format presents a different challenge for Duncan, whose explosive striking has been a defining feature of his fighting style. However, the 185-pound contender insists he has prepared to sustain his intensity throughout the contest.

“We adjust the prepraration but the mindset stays very much the same. Always got that hunger and that fire in me,” Duncan said.

Duncan also expects an intense encounter against an opponent who is equally comfortable pushing the pace. “The way we’ve prepared for this is so I can also bring that same high pace for the five rounds if needed,” he said.

A strong performance could also propel Duncan into the middleweight title conversation. With former champion Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev among the division’s leading names, the contender knows the landscape remains fluid.

“A positive outcome this weekend will definitely put my name within that bracket,” he said.

Streaming information

Watch UFC Fight Night - Allen vs. Duncan on Sunday, 11th October 2026 from 5.30 PM IST live on Live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada) & Sony LIV.