Chris Duncan Stuns UFC 323 with Dramatic First-Round Comeback Victory

Scottish Fighter’s Remarkable Victory at UFC 323

Chris Duncan captured another huge win on December 6, 2025, at UFC 323 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, stopping Terrance McKinney with a first-round submission (anaconda choke) in what proved to be one of the most thrilling bouts of the evening. The victory extended Duncan’s impressive winning streak and solidified his position as a rising contender in the UFC’s lightweight division.

The Fight: From Danger to Dominance

The bout began with immediate fireworks as McKinney demonstrated why he’s known for explosive starts. McKinney connected first, landing clean strikes that pushed Duncan backward and forced him to defend immediately. McKinney wasted no time as the powerful lightweight landed a beautiful knee in the first few seconds of the fight, followed by non-stop punches and head kicks that had Duncan in serious trouble.

However, the Scottish fighter showed tremendous resilience. Duncan fired back with a big punch that wobbled McKinney, and later landed a huge elbow in the clinch that sent McKinney to the canvas. Duncan secured an anaconda choke at the 2:30 mark of Round 1, forcing the tap and securing his fourth consecutive UFC victory.

Duncan’s Journey and Rising Prospects

With his record now at 15-2, opportunities for bigger opponents loom on the horizon. Duncan’s triumph was his sixth in seven UFC fights since his debut in 2023 and could see him break into the top 15 of the lightweight rankings for the first time.

The victory holds special significance for Duncan, who has overcome tremendous personal adversity. In 2014, on the day of the weigh-ins for Duncan’s amateur debut, his mother Elaine was murdered by her boyfriend James Morley, who was jailed for life for the crime. Despite this tragedy, Duncan has channelled his grief into becoming one of the UFC’s most exciting prospects.

What’s Next for Chris Duncan

The Scottish finisher will likely be looking at a ranked opponent next, as his combination of striking power and submission expertise makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the UFC top 15 at lightweight. With momentum firmly on his side and his skill set continuously evolving, Duncan represents one of the most compelling stories in mixed martial arts today, combining technical excellence with an indomitable fighting spirit that resonates with fans worldwide.