Brendan Allen and Christian Leroy Duncan will face off in the UFC Vegas 122 middleweight main event on Saturday, October 10, 2026, inside the Meta Apex arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Allen arrives after an upset win over Reinier de Ridder last year, a victory that seemed likely to push him back toward the title picture. Instead, he finds himself fighting down the card for the third consecutive time following earlier losses to top contenders. Victory against Duncan might finally earn him a grudge match with Dricus du Plessis, but he will need to abandon any “finesse” approach to do so.
Duncan enters the octagon with momentum. The English striker has won five fights in a row and seven of his last eight, showing the power and dynamic skill expected of a rising middleweight. This will be Duncan’s first opportunity to headline a UFC event, and a win here could move him significantly closer to a title shot.
The betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook set Allen as a slight favourite at -138, with a win by decision offered at +250 and a submission victory at +300. Duncan is listed at +108, with a knockout or technical knockout win priced at +240 and a decision victory at +500.
Allen is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with strong offensive wrestling and a diverse striking arsenal including punches, kicks, and knees. However, his tendency to be hit too easily has cost him in past bouts. Duncan’s style as a kickboxer with knockout power challenges Allen’s defence. But Allen’s ability to mix takedowns and striking could disrupt Duncan’s rhythm, especially since Duncan has struggled when forced to defend against a combination of threats.
Clinching could be a decisive factor. Duncan often presses forward into the clinch, an area where Allen’s wrestling and in-fighting skills could dominate. Duncan’s fondness for spinning strikes also creates openings for Allen’s back-take attempts. If Allen times his movement and counters well, he may neutralise some of Duncan’s most dangerous weapons.
Duncan, standing tall with a 79-inch reach, fights with a traditional martial arts style that blends kickboxing with karate influences. He favours stepping forward with long straight punches and explosive kicks, including spinning techniques. While those spins are a core part of his offence, Duncan will need to use them judiciously to avoid exposing himself to Allen’s counters and takedowns.
Duncan’s plan may involve controlling distance with his jab and carefully timing heavier strikes as Allen moves forward aggressively. Past opponents have capitalised on Allen’s forward pressure, so Duncan’s composure and distance management will be critical.
The matchup poses challenges for both fighters. Allen’s experience and versatility might give him an edge if he can blend striking and wrestling effectively. Duncan’s youth and athleticism, along with his recent run of victories, suggest he is on the rise. A close decision is possible in either direction, and an early submission by Allen cannot be ruled out.
UFC Vegas 122 promises an intriguing clash between a seasoned middleweight looking to reclaim momentum and an up-and-coming striker aiming to solidify his place among the division’s elite. The event kicks off Saturday night at Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
According to Yahoo Sports.
