Middleweights
Christian Leroy Duncan (8-1, 1-1 UFC) vs. Denis Tiuliulin (10-8, 1-3 UFC)Duncan is still a talent to watch after his last loss, but a bounce-back performance here would be nice. Duncan was an obvious signing for the UFC when it started making trips back to his native England, as he was an undefeated prospect with a highlight reel of finishes against a tough level of competition. However, through two fights, Duncan has yet to truly announce himself. His UFC debut was a quick victory cut short due to an injury stoppage, and while his sophomore effort against Armen Petrosyan was a fun affair in defeat, it did show the inefficiencies in Duncan’s game against an opponent willing to stand ground and return fire. Duncan looks to get back to his bullying ways against a late replacement in Tiuliulin in a tougher matchup than might be expected. Tiuliulin has made his name stepping in on late notice and trying to cause some chaos. Tiuliulin’s regional record did not stick out as clearly ready for a UFC call-up, but he has proven before and after his UFC debut to be a perennial tough out down for a scrap; standing and trading with the Russian has typically been an exercise in frustration as he keeps absorbing offense and refuses to go away. Opponents have found an escape hatch in taking Tiuliulin to the ground, where he does not have much to offer, but that is not an idea found in Duncan’s typical game plan, which could turn this into a surprisingly even war. Duncan does at least look capable of keeping things up for 15 minutes while winning rounds in the process—whether by outstriking Tiuliulin or just mashing him against the fence—but there could be some rough moments along the way. The pick is Duncan via decision.
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