What’s Next For “CLD?”

UFC Vegas 122 took place last weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, leaving several fighters feeling the aftermath of their losses. Among them were Malcolm Wellmaker, Kai Kamaka III, and Leon Shahbazyan, who all suffered defeat in their respective bouts. However, Christian Leroy Duncan, the man known as "CLD," may have suffered the worst post-fight hangover of all.

Coming into his headlining fight against Brendan Allen, Duncan was riding a five-fight win streak and had the chance to climb into the No. 5 ranked contender position in the Middleweight division. Unfortunately, Duncan failed to convert his strong performance into a win, as Allen ultimately submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the fifth round.

The loss marked the end of Duncan's winning streak and delayed his march towards the Top 5. Despite the setback, Duncan remains determined and wrote on social media that the fire is too bright to dampen and that the pursuit continues. A potential bounce back fight against Anthony Hernandez, currently ranked No. 8 in the division, could be a good opportunity for Duncan to regain his footing in the middleweight ranks.