Christian Leroy Duncan is a problem.
At UFC Fight Night 281, Duncan (15-2 MMA, 8-2 UFC) soundly defeated perennial middleweight contender Jared Cannonier (18-10 MMA, 11-10 UFC) by unanimous decision at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. With big victories usually comes big reward. Duncan thinks the next chip to fall might be the addition of a single-digit number next to his name in the UFC rankings.
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“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 (via UFC). “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 Plessis are 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.”
Cannonier, 42, has only lost to the best of the best since moving down to middleweight in 2018. Duncan joined a class that includes Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Nassourdine Imavov, Michael Page, and Caio Borralho as the only men to defeat Cannonier at 185 pounds.
Saturday was first and foremost about winning. But in the moment, Duncan admits he also used the opportunity to test out some new maneuvers.
“It was more sticking to our game plan and staying patient,” Duncan said. “Where I smelled blood a few times, I was maybe a bit over-hungry for the finish. I’ll just take a bit more time, play my game, and pick him apart.He’s tough. From that, I learned a lot. From a win, I learn as much as I do from anything. I’m just going to keep evolving. The first round, I definitely chased a bit too much. The second round, especially after my corner gave me some advice, I took a bit more time and just kind of went with the flow of the fight. I just took my opportunities as they came and it led to the win.
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“At the same time, I wanted to test a few things out on him. I don’t think he expected my strength in the clinch. I managed to get a takedown on him. I managed to reverse two of his things. I’ll take it as it comes. One of the main things, I’d say, is patience – patience and discipline. I think that takes me a long way. I’m the top 10 now. That’s all nine names above me. I welcome any challenge. I always say it: Any time a name is given to me, I say yes. I never turn down a fight. I always stay ready, so it doesn’t take long to get ready. I just welcome any fight until I’ve got that gold wrapped around my waist. That’s the true moment there.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Christian Leroy Duncan smells single-digit ranking after UFC Oklahoma City win
