Chris Duncan submits Terrance McKinney at UFC 323 in Las Vegas

Chris Duncan delivered another standout moment at UFC 323 in Las Vegas, overcoming pressure from Terrance McKinney to secure a first‑round submission and keep his rising run alive.

Early exchanges were sanctioned by heavy strikes from McKinney, but Duncan answered with a sharp elbow that dropped his opponent. He controlled the fight on the ground and finished with an anaconda choke to seal the win.

As the arena roared, Duncan earned his fourth consecutive victory inside the Octagon and his sixth win in seven UFC bouts since his 2023 debut. In a moving post‑fight moment, he honored his late mother, Elaine, who was murdered in 2014 just before his first amateur fight, saying that the moment underscored his resolve and heart.

That fight‑week resilience helped propel Duncan toward potential top‑15 status in the lightweight division, signaling a significant step forward in his UFC journey.

Yan returns to glory by dethroning Dvalishvili

The main event featured Petr Yan reclaiming the bantamweight crown with a dominant showing against Merab Dvalishvili. The judges scored the bout 49‑46, 49‑46 and 48‑47 in Yan’s favor, handing Dvalishvili his first decisive defeat in years as he chased a historic fourth title defense in a calendar year.

Yan relied on a blend of steady striking and tactical wrestling to blunt Dvalishvili’s high‑volume approach, trading heavy kicks and sharp combinations throughout the five rounds. The result marked a watershed for Yan as he re‑established himself at the summit of the division.

Van stops Pantoja to seize the flyweight title

The co‑main event delivered a stunning finish as Joshua Van captured the flyweight title just 26 seconds into the opening round after Alexandre Pantoja sustained an arm injury. The stoppage allowed Van to become the second‑youngest UFC champion in history, at age 24, a record previously held by Jon Jones.

Pantoja had previously defended his title four times, but the quick injury abruptly ended his reign in Las Vegas. The moment capped a night of dramatic outcomes and a notable milestone for Van in a rapidly evolving weight class.

Looking ahead: where these results leave the divisions

Duncan’s win keeps him on a fast track in the lightweight division, with talks of breakers into the top ranks growing louder after this performance. Yan’s title defense reaffirms his status among the elite, while Van’s early finish places him on a new, urgent trajectory in the flyweight division.

Expert reaction

Expert comment: Duncan showcased the kind of grit that separates rising contenders from true challengers, a hallmark of his improving all‑round game. Analysts note that his momentum could push him into the top 15 if he stays on this winning arc.

Summary

Chris Duncan’s first‑round finish over McKinney adds another highlight to his UFC story and nudges him toward the top of the lightweight rankings. Petr Yan’s unanimous decision win rewrites the bantamweight title picture, while Joshua Van’s dramatic early finish crowns him flyweight champion at a young age. Together, these results made UFC 323 a night of dramatic shifts and rapid rises for several fighters.

Key takeaway: Duncan’s relentless perseverance under pressure embodies the heart of the sport, a theme echoed in this event’s standout moments. BBC Sport