UFC Paris
Venue: Accor Arena, Paris Date: Saturday 28 September
Chris Duncan says beating Bolaji Oki in Saturday’s UFC contest “is everything for me”.
With 11 wins from 13 MMA fights, including two wins and one loss in the UFC ranks, lightweight Duncan, 31, faces a 28-year-old opponent who is on a nine-fight winning streak in the Octagon at the Accor Arena in Paris.
“I don’t want to be going on a two-fight skid that means your job could potentially be on the line in this sport,” Duncan said. “A win is everything for me on Saturday.
“It is massive, the biggest fight of my life. If it is not the biggest fight of your life, you are in the wrong sport. The pressure that I put on myself is always the same.
“One of my favourite fighters mentioned that he doesn’t plan anything until after the fight. He is going to war and everything is dedicated to that day.”
Duncan has “taken the time to heal” following his UFC defeat by Manuel Torres after losing some funding during his “time of need”.
“I was in Mexico at the time, I needed funds to pay for my corner team – for their hotels, their food – and I actually banked on that money,” he explained.
“It wouldn’t have been such an issue if I had won my fight, because I would have got double my money, but I lose my fight, so I got half my money.”
However, Duncan insists he has put the business difficulties behind him.
“These things make you grow, make you a better person and make you understand who the real ones are,” he added.
“I feel much better than I have ever and the only thing that bothers me is the loss now.”
