Another Cage Warriors champion is headed to the UFC.
Initially expected to headline Saturday’s Cage Warriors 148 in London, middleweight champion Christian Leroy Duncan received the bad news first. His main event title defense was canceled when opponent Jesse Taylor was injured in a car crash.
Hours later, the good news came. Duncan (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) announced on the UFC Fight Pass broadcast he will forgo another regional test and sign with the UFC instead in anticipation of a promotional debut March 18 at UFC 286 in London.
“At this time, I think we’ve made the decision I’ll be handing this belt back to Cage Warriors,” Duncan said on the broadcast. “Then, next year, 2023, London, March, I’ll be looking to make my UFC debut in London.”
Duncan, 27, is undefeated as a professional with six finishes in seven appearances, including five knockouts and one submission. Prior to his leap into the professional side in 2020, Duncan had a lengthy amateur career with a record of 17-6.
