LONDON – Chris Duncan made a pretty big stir this past August when he hammered his way into the UFC.
Duncan took out Charlie Campbell in quick fashion on Dana White’s Contender Series. Now the Scottish lightweight is set for his official promotional debut at UFC 286 in London, where it will feel like a home fight for him. Duncan (9-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) meets Omar Morales (11-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC) on the ESPNews-broadcast prelims Saturday at The O2.
“Since probably 2018, the only dream and the only goal I’ve ever had was to get to the UFC,” Duncan said at Wednesday’s UFC 286 media day. “Now that that’s happened, I’ve had to change my goals and had to change my admirations, and I’m looking forward to conquering them, as well – small steps, build myself up the ladder.
“Sometimes I need to pinch myself – like walking, seeing this (microphone) again, the UFC, getting all the gear, seeing all my peers – you’ve seen all these people walk through here. (I’m) very humble and very grateful to be a part of the UFC.”
Duncan is confident he’ll bring a show against Morales, who took the bout on short notice when Michal Figlak pulled out. In fact, Duncan is willing to pretty much guarantee he’ll get a post-fight bonus in his first fight in the UFC.
Only one fighter on the card, Duncan figures, could be a threat to his plans for an extra $50,000 is co-headliner Justin Gaethje – who happens to have 10 bonuses in 10 UFC fights.
“I’m a household (name) now. This is my home. This is my home. I’m here to stay. I’m here to win. I’m here to put on performances,” Duncan said. “There’s only one guy on the card that I’m worried he might take my $50K, and that’s Justin Gaethje.”
Check out Duncan’s full media day interview in the video above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 286.
