LAS VEGAS: Scottish lightweight Chris Duncan delivered a stunning first-round submission victory over Terrance McKinney at UFC 323 on Friday night, extending his winning streak and strengthening his case for a place in the top 15.
Competing at the packed T-Mobile Arena, Duncan overcame early pressure before dropping McKinney with a precise elbow. He quickly transitioned to the canvas and locked in an anaconda choke, forcing the American to submit and securing his fourth straight UFC win.
Duncan Overcomes Adversity Once Again
The victory comes just months after Duncan’s unforgettable war with Mateusz Rebecki — a bout still considered one of 2024’s best fights.
In his post-fight interview, Duncan dedicated the win to his late mother, who passed away in 2014 before his first amateur MMA bout. He reflected on her influence and the resilience he carries into every fight:
“I lost my mother before my first-ever MMA fight. On the day of the weigh-ins she died, and I still went ahead and fought. That is heart — you cannot teach heart.”
Duncan has now won six of his seven UFC fights since debuting in 2023, putting him on the brink of entering the lightweight rankings.
Co-Main Event Highlights: Van Claims Title, Yan Regains Gold
The main card also delivered major championship shake-ups:
- Joshua Van of Myanmar defeated Brazilian champion Alexandre Pantoja to capture the flyweight title.
- Russia’s Petr Yan dethroned Merab Dvalishvili to reclaim the bantamweight championship, ending the Georgian’s title run.
UFC 323 will be remembered for its high-intensity bouts, emotional moments, and significant shifts across multiple divisions.
