Outside Source
UFC Oklahoma City could see a potential change of guard at middleweight.
Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier is set to face Chris Leroy Duncan at UFC Fight Night 281 on July 18 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. MagicM was first to report the booking on social media, and it was later officially confirmed by the UFC. The Las Vegas-based promotion also recently announced a welterweight clash pitting Kevin Holland against Jacobe Smith.
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Gatekeeper vs. Rising Talent
While Cannonier (18-9) has been a perennial contender at middleweight, he has recently taken up the role of a gatekeeper at the top of the division. “The Killa Gorilla” has dropped three of his last four, with the losses coming against elite opponents in Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho and Michael Page.
Meanwhile, Duncan (14-2) is on a four-fight winning streak that includes two spinning backfist knockouts. The Englishman suffered his last loss in 2024 against Gregory Rodrigues, who lost to Cannonier in his next outing.
MAKE IT LOUD ⚡️
Two big time bouts are coming to #UFCOKC on July 18! pic.twitter.com/GZugtn5tyB
— UFC (@ufc) May 28, 2026
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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