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

Brendan Allen Shocks Christian Leroy Duncan with Late Submission at UFC Vegas 122

Brendan Allen continues to emerge as a surprising force in the middleweight division. At UFC Vegas 122, held inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Allen secured a fifth-round rear-naked choke over the hot streaking Christian Leroy Duncan. The American fighter started cautiously but gradually imposed his wrestling dominance, forcing the tapout at 2:46 of round five.

This victory extends Brendan Allen's UFC winning streak to four consecutive fights, bringing his professional record to 28-7. After the fight, Allen expressed confidence about his future in the division, saying, "I'm steady, defending my spot, doing what I need to do. 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 aimed to take Duncan to the ground. The Englishman, riding a five-fight winning streak himself and boasting a 15-3 record, defended well early and responded with powerful strikes. Allen remained patient, using wrestling to control Duncan on the mat for significant portions of rounds two and three.

Duncan was handed a point deduction by referee Marc Goddard in the second round due to illegal eye pokes, further complicating his challenge. Despite this setback, Duncan rallied strongly in the fourth round, landing 46 significant strikes to Allen's 17, dramatically outstriking his opponent. This surge gave Duncan a momentary edge, though Allen complained of rib pain between rounds.

In the final round, Allen returned to his wrestling tactics, ultimately securing the submission finish. His recent wins over Marvin Vettori, Reinier de Ridder, Edmen Shahbazyan, and now Duncan suggest a climb toward top contender status.

"He's tougher than I thought, I got the job done," said Allen. "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. And yeah man, they're tough."

UFC Vegas 122 Full Results

• 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

Preliminary Card Results

• 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 afterward
• 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)