Chris Duncan (fighter)


Chris Duncan is a Scottish mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the UFC.

Background

Duncan was born in Alloa, Scotland, United Kingdom on May 10, 1993. He was nicknamed “Podgy” as a kid, due to him being overweight. However after watching MMA on TV when he was young, he was then motivated to change his physical shape. Before becoming a full time fighter Duncan attended agricultural college and worked as a shepherd in the Scottish Highlands.
His mother died when he was preparing for his first amateur fight; specifically, on the day of the weigh-ins for the fight. Despite that, Duncan still fought. Her death had a major impact on his path in MMA, he has cited it as a motivation for starting his career.
''“I started this journey with my mum in mind. What many people don’t know is that my first amateur fight was on the day after my mum passed away—she died during the weigh-ins, but I still fought the next day. I’m built for this; nothing will stop me. People often pull out for lesser reasons, but my mum’s passing on the day of my first MMA fight weigh-ins didn’t deter me.”''

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Duncan began his MMA career in 2014 April of 2014, he compiled an amateur record of 10-1. Duncan then turned pro in 2018 and won his first 7 fights, 6 coming by way of knockout and one via submission. During this period he also won the Ultimate Fight League lightweight championship.

Dana White’s Contender Series

On October 21, 2021 Duncan fought Viacheslav Borshchev on Dana White's Contender Series. He lost via KO in the second round.
Following a victory on the regional scene, Duncan then got another shot on Dana White's Contender Series on August 2, 2022. He faced Jonathan Carlos and won via unanimous decision. His performance won him a UFC contract.

Ultimate Fight Championship

Duncan was originally set to face Michal Figlak on March 18, 2023 at UFC 286. Figlak then withdrew from the bout leading to Omar Morales stepping in as the replacement fighter. He won the fight via split decision.
Duncan faced Yanal Ashmouz on July 22, 2023 at UFC Fight Night 224. He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Duncan faced Manuel Torres on February 24, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 237. He lost the fight via second round submission.
Duncan faced Bolaji Oki on September 28, 2024 at UFC Fight Night 243. He won the fight via submission in the first round. His efforts earned him a Performance of the Night award.
Duncan faced Jordan Vucenic on March 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 255. He won the fight via second round submission.
Duncan faced Mateusz Rębecki on August 2, 2025 at UFC on ESPN 71. He won the fight via unanimous decision. This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.
Duncan faced Terrance McKinney on December 6, 2025 at UFC 323. He won the fight via an anaconda choke submission in the first round.

Championships and achievements

Personal life

Duncan is married and has a daughter, and in his spare time he works as a personal trainer.