Brendan Allen submitted Christian Leroy Duncan in the fifth round during their bout in Las Vegas, effectively derailing the Briton's aspirations for a middleweight title shot. Duncan, 31, entered the fight on a five-fight win streak and aimed for a title opportunity should he defeat Allen convincingly.

The match showcased a back-and-forth dynamic, with both fighters vying for victory as they approached the final round. Ultimately, it was Allen who emerged victorious, securing a rear-naked choke that led to his triumph.

With this win, the 30-year-old American targets Sean Strickland's championship belt, extending his winning streak to four fights. Allen stated, "I think we'll be rewarded next. I'm doing what I need to do. Where's the champion? If not, where's Dricus Du Plessis? He's been running for a while."

Duncan came into the match ranked 10th in the UFC middleweight standings, having previously secured a victory over former title challenger Jared Cannonier in July. Throughout the fight, Duncan was the more active striker, landing 138 shots compared to Allen's 80. However, Allen excelled in grappling exchanges, which proved decisive.

An eye poke in the second round resulted in a deducted point for Duncan, likely necessitating a finish in the final round. This, however, became irrelevant as Allen achieved his eighth submission in the UFC.

The victory improved Allen’s record to 28 wins and 7 defeats, while Duncan faced his third loss in an 18-fight career. In the co-main event, fellow Briton Jai Herbert secured a unanimous decision win over Brazilian lightweight Matheus Camilo, marking his third win in four UFC fights, while Camilo suffered his second defeat in the promotion.