Scotland’s Chris Duncan authored a dramatic comeback victory at UFC 323, but in the aftermath, the UFC lightweight revealed the brutal, unseen battle that nearly derailed his fight week. His stunning anaconda choke submission of Terrance McKinney was achieved despite a punishing weight cut that saw his weight balloon over 30 pounds.
“I really hurt myself cutting weight this time,” Duncan confessed in a raw post-fight interview. “Not so much the weight cut itself, which was easy, but with my calorie intake and other issues. I was having days where I was only eating 1,200 calories.”
The Fight: An Elbow Changes Everything
Inside the octagon, Duncan’s resilience was tested immediately. McKinney came out aggressively, rocking the Scotsman early. However, Duncan weathered the storm and found his moment.
The tide turned with a single, perfectly placed elbow strike. “That elbow changed the fight,” Duncan explained. “It hurt him, and from there I could take over.” He capitalised on the moment, securing top position before locking in a tight anaconda choke to force the tap in the first round, securing his fourth straight UFC win.
The Real Battle: A “Ballooned” Weight Cut
The greater struggle, Duncan revealed, happened long before he stepped into the cage. His weight management leading into the fight was a major ordeal. After a period away from competition, his weight had “ballooned,” forcing an extreme and unhealthy cut to reach the 156lb lightweight limit.
This process, involving severe calorie restriction, took a significant physical and mental toll. It’s a stark reminder of the extreme sacrifices fighters make behind the scenes, where victory can sometimes come at the expense of their own well-being.
“30 Weeks Away From My Family”
Compounding the physical strain was a profound personal sacrifice. Duncan disclosed that he has spent a staggering 30 weeks away from his family this year to train and fight.
“The time away from my family is the hardest part,” he admitted. “That’s the real cost.” This emotional toll led him to rule out a quick turnaround for a rumoured London card in March. “I need to go home, see my family, and just be a normal person for a bit,” he stated, prioritising recovery and personal life over an immediate return.
A Fighter Defined by Grit
Despite the hardships, Duncan’s performance proved his formidable mental toughness. “I can suffer, and I can push through things a lot of people can’t,” he said, a trait that defines his fighting style.
For now, Chris Duncan’s focus is on healing—both from the physical strain of the weight cut and the emotional weight of a long year on the road. His comeback at UFC 323 will be remembered for its thrilling finish, but the champion’s grit was forged in the much quieter, more difficult battles fought outside the spotlight.
