Christian Leroy Duncan will face Jared Cannonier in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 281, also known as UFCOKC, on July 18 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The card streams live on Paramount+ starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Duncan enters the bout with a record of 14 wins and 2 losses. He has won his last four fights, including a unanimous decision over Roman Dolidze in March at UFC Fight Night in London. The English middleweight, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, previously competed in Cage Warriors where he won the middleweight title before joining the UFC. He currently ranks number 12 in the UFC middleweight division.
Cannonier, a veteran with an 18-9 record, looks to secure a win after recent results. The American fighter has competed against many top middleweights and former champions throughout his career. At 5 feet 11 inches, he brings experience from multiple main event appearances.
The main event of the night pits former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis returns after his title loss last year, while Usman moves down to the middleweight division for this five round fight.
Duncan’s recent performances have drawn attention from UFC officials and fans. His four fight win streak positions him as a contender moving up the middleweight rankings. Cannonier aims to use his veteran skills and power to stop Duncan’s momentum.
The full card features several other bouts across the middleweight, welterweight, and lightweight divisions. Fighters on the preliminary card include both established names and rising prospects from the UFC roster. The event marks another stop in the UFC’s summer schedule of Fight Night cards held at venues across the United States.
Both Duncan and Cannonier have trained extensively for this matchup. Duncan has emphasized his striking and grappling improvements since his last fight. Cannonier has focused on maintaining his conditioning for a potential longer bout against the taller opponent.
The outcome of the co-main event could affect the middleweight division standings ahead of future title opportunities. UFC officials have highlighted the matchup as part of a stacked card that also includes the high profile main event between du Plessis and Usman.