Brendan Allen Submits Christian Leroy Duncan With Late Choke at UFC Vegas 122

Brendan Allen proved his middleweight credentials again on Saturday night, submitting Christian Leroy Duncan with a rear-naked choke at 2:46 of the fifth round in the UFC Vegas 122 main event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

Duncan came out sharp in the first round, landing elbows and a spinning attack that briefly stunned Allen. But Allen answered with takedowns and back control throughout the opening frame, setting the tone for the rest of the fight.

The second round swung decisively in Allen's favor after referee Marc Goddard deducted a point from Duncan for an eye poke. Allen used the momentum to grind Duncan against the cage, hunting arm-triangle and rear-naked choke attempts while opening a cut on the Englishman's face.

Rounds three and four were competitive but largely Allen's. He controlled the striking exchanges, stunned Duncan multiple times, and avoided getting reckless when Duncan found moments on top. The fight looked like it might go the distance.

Then Allen ended it. Early in the fifth, he secured a takedown, worked to Duncan's back, and locked in the rear-naked choke. Duncan fought the hands but eventually tapped, giving Allen his 15th UFC win of the decade, the most of any fighter in the promotion since 2020, per MMA Mania.

Allen improved to 26-7 overall and 16-4 in the UFC, extending his winning streak to four. Duncan, who entered at 13-2 and riding five straight wins, suffered the first stoppage loss of his career. Allen earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the finish.