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UFC Vegas 122: Brendan Allen Submits Christian Leroy Duncan, Eyes Next Title Shot

Brendan Allen has once again proven himself as a rising force in the middleweight division. On Saturday night at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Allen secured a fifth-round rear-naked choke submission over the surging Christian Leroy Duncan in the main event of UFC Vegas 122. The American fighter started cautiously but steadily wore down Duncan with relentless wrestling, forcing the tapout at 2:46 of the final round.

This win boosts Allen's UFC record to 28-7 and marks his fourth straight victory inside the octagon.

"I'm steady, defending my spot, doing what I need to do," Allen said after the fight. "The bosses see me doing that thing, and I think we'll be rewarded next. Fight the champion, and if not, where's [Dricus du Plessis]? He's been running for a little while."

From the opening bell, Allen tried to take Duncan to the mat. The Englishman, riding a five-fight win streak, defended well early and landed heavy shots in return. Still, Allen stuck to his strategy, dominating the second and third rounds on the ground.

Duncan found himself further hampered when referee Marc Goddard docked him a point for repeated illegal eye pokes early in round two. Despite the penalty, Duncan fought back fiercely in the fourth, outstriking Allen 46 to 17 in significant strikes during that period. Allen appeared slowed, even mentioning rib pain to his corner between rounds, but he recovered to return to his wrestling game in the final frame and secure the finish.

With wins over Marvin Vettori, Reinier de Ridder, Edmen Shahbazyan, and now Duncan, Allen is positioning himself for a top contender matchup.

"He's tougher than I thought, but I got the job done," Allen reflected. "I come here to fight, man. I've been super active. I fought these young guys, two hungry prospects back-to-back, because nobody else wanted to fight. They're tough."

UFC Vegas 122 Complete Results

  • Main card:
  • Middleweight: Brendan Allen def. Christian Leroy Duncan via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:46 of Round 5
  • Lightweight: Jai Herbert def. Matheus Camilo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • 117-pound catchweight: Loopy Godínez def. Ketlen Souza via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Featherweight: Andre Fili def. Kai Kamaka III via KO (head kick) at 0:22 of Round 2
  • Bantamweight: Otari Tanzilovi def. Malcolm Wellmaker via KO (head kick and punches) at 2:39 of Round 2
  • Light heavyweight: Julius Walker def. Gerald Meerschaert via TKO (punches) at 3:35 of Round 2; Meerschaert retires
  • 163.5-pound catchweight: Francisco Prado def. Ismael Bonfim via TKO (punches) at 4:23 of Round 1
  • Welterweight: Niko Price def. Leon Shahbazyan via TKO (punch and knee) at 1:58 of Round 1; Price retires
  • 208.5-pound catchweight: Brendson Ribeiro def. Felipe Franco via submission (mounted guillotine) at 1:49 of Round 1
  • Heavyweight: Allen Frye def. RJ Harris via KO (punches) at 2:59 of Round 1
  • Women's bantamweight: Alice Pereira def. Daria Zhelezniakova via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of Round 1
  • Women's flyweight: Melissa Gatto vs. Ernesta Kareckaite ended in majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28)

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