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UFC 286 | Three UK Stars Set To Make Octagon Debut
There aren’t many things we love more than a UFC debut for a UK fighters when the Octagon makes the trip over. UFC 286 this Saturday features not one, not even two but three exciting debuts for UK fighters. If it’s your first time watching any of these guys compete, you’re in for a treat. These are your essentials that you need to know about each fighter:
Christian Leroy Duncan (7-0)
One of the most exciting prospects the UK has ever produced, Christian Leroy Duncan’s path to the UFC was solidified by his emphatic run in Cage Warriors where he reigned as the middleweight champion. Fighting out of Range MMA in Gloucester under the tutelage of a UK MMA original in Mark Weir, CLD is a well-rounded competitor but his striking is what has put him on the map. With devastating finishes racked up in the yellow gloves, it was only a matter of time before he was stepping foot inside the Octagon. Whilst he may be just 7-0 in his pro career, CLD has passed every test put in front of him and has an extensive amateur pedigree. He faces Serbia’s Duško Todorović (12-3) who is 3-3 under the UFC banner.
Chris Duncan (9-1)
Scotland’s Chris Duncan steps into each and every fight with one intention in mind, sending his opponent to sleep with his hands. ‘The Problem’ made his name competing on Bellator before getting a shot on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series.
Whilst he may have come up short on that occasion after a tough few weeks, Duncan kept his head down and earned himself a second shot at a UFC contract on the show. With one of the series’ best moments, the Scot produced an incredible comeback against Charlie Campbell to book his place on the UFC roster. Whilst the cancelled fight with Mike Figlak would’ve been a certified banger, Duncan is sure to produce a great fight regardless of his opponent. He draws Venezuela’s Omar Morales (11-3) for his debut.
Sam Patterson (10-1-1)
Sam ‘The Future’ Patterson is another exciting addition to the UFC’s talent stacked lightweight division. Undefeated since his second pro fight back in 2017, Sam’s record of finishes speaks for itself. Going the distance just one time in his career, he made his name fighting in Brave CF before earning his spot on the UFC roster with a second round finish on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. Standing across from him inside the Octagon on Saturday night will be another fighter making his promotional debut, undefeated Israeli fighter Yanal Ashmoz (6-0).
Christian Leroy Duncan is scheduled to make his debut on the UFC Fight Pass prelim section of the card whilst Chris Duncan and Sam Patterson will feature on the prelim portion that will air on BT Sport. The action is scheduled to kick off at 5PM in the UK.
