Preview: UFC 286 Prelims

Middleweights

Christian Leroy Duncan (7-0, 0-0 UFC) vs. Dusko Todorovic (12-3, 3-3 UFC)

ODDS: Duncan (-215), Todorovic (+185)

It was not a shock when Duncan got the UFC call ahead of this card. Beyond the typical pipeline from Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder to the UFC, Duncan is the type of highlight-reel fighter the promotion likes to bring into the fold. A longtime amateur, Duncan was able to quickly rise through the European ranks thanks to some solid physicality and knockout power. He is big, fast and can uncork the type of flying knees and spinning elbows that catch his opponents off-guard. If nothing else, Duncan has a high floor as someone who can bring action to every card where he is needed, and this pairing against Todorovic is a solid first test to see if he can be something more. Todorovic is still a talent to watch, even though it has been a slow rise at 185 pounds for “Thunder.” His regional victory over Michel Pereira and subsequent win on Dana White’s Contender Series suggested he could make some hay as a bully, but he has found himself at more physical parity than expected in the UFC and endured some defensive struggles as a result. Todorovic is certainly capable of making this a grind, but this does seem set up for Duncan to have an impressive UFC debut in his home country. Todorovic is obviously working on becoming more elusive but still has a tendency to get hit hard, and the UFC newcomer figures to do just that. The pick is Duncan via first-round knockout.

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