UFC on ESPN 72 – Eryk Anders vs Christian Leroy Duncan

Christian Leroy Duncan and Eryk Anders clashed in a middleweight bout at UFC on ESPN 72, held at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on August 9, 2025. Duncan, a dynamic 28-year-old striker from the UK with an 11-2 record, was known for his unorthodox and creative striking style. Anders, a seasoned 38-year-old American veteran with a 17-8 record, entered the fight looking to build on a two-fight winning streak and prove he still belonged among the division’s top contenders.

From the opening moments, both fighters engaged in an intense striking exchange. Duncan utilized a variety of kicks, including front and low kicks, while Anders responded with heavy punches and attempted to close distance. A brief stoppage occurred early due to an accidental eye poke from Anders, but once the fight resumed, Duncan pressed forward aggressively, mixing punches and kicks to keep Anders on the back foot. Anders tried to use his clinch game to control Duncan, but Duncan fired back with powerful knees that kept the veteran at bay.

As the action intensified, Duncan found his range and timing, landing a spinning elbow that visibly rocked Anders. Following the strike, Anders stumbled and leaned against the cage, unable to recover quickly enough. Recognizing the opportunity, the referee immediately halted the contest at 3 minutes and 53 seconds of the first round, awarding Duncan a TKO victory. The finish highlighted Duncan’s precision and ability to capitalize on openings with creative techniques.

This victory reinforced Duncan’s reputation as an exciting and dangerous striker in the middleweight division, demonstrating his ability to finish fights decisively against experienced opponents. For Anders, the loss underscored the challenges of facing younger, faster competitors who bring diverse striking arsenals. Despite his veteran status and power, Anders struggled to keep pace with Duncan’s speed and adaptability during the fight.

Looking forward, Duncan’s impressive win positions him as a rising contender to watch in the middleweight ranks, with fans eager to see how far his dynamic style can carry him. Meanwhile, Anders will likely take time to evaluate his game plan and consider adjustments if he hopes to regain momentum in the UFC. Both fighters contributed to an electrifying night of competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats.