Preview: UFC London ‘Edwards vs. Brady’

Lightweights

Jordan Vucenic (13-3) vs. Chris Duncan (12-2)
Odds: Vucenic (-340), Duncan (+270)

This should be a fun one. Duncan's two Contender Series performances were each entertaining, but they didn't do a ton to raise the hopes that the Scotsman could find a ton of success. "The Problem" was down for a scrap, but prone to eating just as much damage as he dished out without a ton of athletic upside. But Duncan's proven to be quite the solid fighter since; he's still not any sort of explosive marvel, but he's learned to fight with a smarter and more patient game that does a much better job of breaking down his opposition. Duncan even got the finish via first-round guillotine choke in his last fight, so things seem to be clicking on all cylinders heading into this matchup against England's Vucenic.

Vucenic was a good get for the UFC on late notice last August, as "The Epidemic" was clearly ready for a call-up after a string of impressive performances. Vucenic's strength is his doggedness, as he's constantly trying to make things happen, an increasingly effective idea as he's started to turn the corner from decision machine to submission finisher. But that approach is a double-edged sword, as Vucenic can give up a ton of ground over pursuing ideas, particularly on the mat. For all of Duncan's improvements, this does still look like a matchup where Vucenic can get the jump on things and turn that initiative into something major, but Duncan has overperformed before; the pick is Vucenic via first-round submission.

Jump To »
Edwards vs. Brady
Blachowicz vs. Ulberg
Nelson vs. Holland
McCann vs. Thainara
Vucenic vs. Duncan
Wood vs. Charriere
The Prelims