STWF | LAS VEGAS | Nov. 9, 2025 — Christian Leroy Duncan continues to make noise in the middleweight division — and this time, he made it thunder. The British striker produced another jaw-dropping finish on Saturday night at UFC Vegas 111, flattening Marco Tulio with a brutal right hand midway through the second round to earn a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

For Duncan, 30, the knockout was not only spectacular but also potentially career-defining. It marked his sixth win in eight UFC bouts since debuting at UFC 286 in March 2023 and firmly placed him on the radar for a top-15 opponent heading into 2026.

“This is most definitely the statement I wanted to make tonight,” Duncan told Paul Felder in his post-fight interview inside the Octagon. “I think it puts me in a great position to potentially get a top-15 matchup. Next year in London would be crazy. If it’s there, I’m ready — if not, we keep on moving.”

From Highlight to History

Entering the bout, Duncan was already riding a wave of momentum following his spectacular spinning back elbow knockout of Eryk Anders just three months ago. That finish was widely hailed as one of 2025’s best, and fans were eager to see if the Englishman could replicate the magic.

He did — and then some.

The fight began at a measured pace, with both men feeling out distance and rhythm. Tulio, a Brazilian brawler who hadn’t lost since 2018, looked to pressure early with combinations and calf kicks. But Duncan’s movement, range management, and unorthodox striking kept him comfortably in control.

Midway through the second round, Duncan found his moment. He faked low, then spun — unleashing a near-perfect spinning back fist that caught Tulio clean across the jaw. Stunned, Tulio staggered backward toward the cage, desperately trying to recover.

Sensing the finish, Duncan pressed forward with precision. A sharp lead jab found its mark, followed by a thunderous straight right hand that instantly turned Tulio’s lights out. The Brazilian crumpled to the canvas as referee Herb Dean rushed in to wave it off.

The crowd inside the UFC Apex erupted. Duncan, calm and composed, simply raised his hands in acknowledgment — another knockout artist announcing himself among the division’s elite.

Earning Respect, Demanding Recognition

The knockout was a statement, but Duncan’s post-fight comments showed maturity and focus beyond the highlight reel.

“I’m developing and evolving at a fast rate,” he said. “I’m becoming more dangerous with each fight — month to month more dangerous. I’m refining my skill set now. I’ve had tests in the past that brought me to this level, and I feel like the sky is the limit. I’m going to be a problem here.”

His words echoed confidence but also a hunger for greater challenges. A top-15 ranked opponent seems not just logical but inevitable. With London expected to host a major UFC event in early 2026, Duncan could be in line for a marquee slot on that card — possibly against fellow European contenders like Jack Hermansson, Brendan Allen, or Caio Borralho.

The $50,000 Statement

Duncan’s spectacular knockout earned him one of four Performance of the Night bonuses, alongside Gabriel Bonfim, Josh Hokit, and Zach Reese.

Bonfim, who headlined the card, also claimed a KO victory — though his stoppage of Randy Brown has since divided fans and analysts, with many debating whether referee Mark Smith halted the bout too early.

There were no such controversies in Duncan’s win. His finish was clean, decisive, and devastating — the kind of ending that leaves no room for interpretation.

“He’s got that ninja-like style,” Paul Felder said afterward. “Every time he steps in here, you know something spectacular could happen.”

A Star in the Making

Duncan’s evolution since joining the UFC has been rapid. Once known primarily as a flashy striker from the UK regional scene, he’s developed into a well-rounded, composed technician who pairs creativity with precision.

With six UFC wins, two viral knockouts, and growing fan buzz, he’s positioning himself as Britain’s next big MMA star — following in the footsteps of Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall, and Arnold Allen.

“This is what I’ve been working for,” Duncan said backstage. “To show that I can win, evolve, and put on a show. I’m not just here to compete — I’m here to make noise.”

Elsewhere at UFC Vegas 111

Beyond Duncan’s highlight-reel finish, the card delivered action throughout. Joseph Morales submitted Matt Schnell in the flyweight co-main event, while Uros Medic, Chris Padilla, and Bonfim all added knockout wins to round out a thrilling night at the UFC Apex.

But when the dust settled, it was Christian Leroy Duncan who stole the spotlight — a spinning back fist, a laser jab, and one crushing right hand that may have just punched his ticket into the rankings.