Christian Leroy Duncan Targets Dricus Du Plessis or a UFC Title Shot

Christian Leroy Duncan has identified two ambitious possibilities after UFC Vegas 122: a fight with Dricus Du Plessis or a direct UFC middleweight title opportunity.

Duncan has made his preferred direction clear, but neither matchup has been confirmed. The available reporting does not indicate that the UFC has offered him a title fight or booked him against Du Plessis.

The key question is whether Duncan’s recent momentum justifies an immediate championship opportunity or whether a fight with Du Plessis would provide the clearest test of his title credentials. That decision will depend on factors including Duncan’s ranking, recent opposition, the champion’s schedule and the status of other contenders.

Duncan Keeps the Door Open to Du Plessis

Duncan specifically identified Du Plessis as a desired opponent after UFC Vegas 122. The matchup would carry immediate significance because Du Plessis is an established name associated with the UFC middleweight title picture.

A fight with Du Plessis would give Duncan more than another routine ranking contest. It would place him against a high-profile middleweight with experience in significant divisional fights. A victory could strengthen Duncan’s case for a title opportunity, particularly if the UFC treated the bout as a de facto title eliminator.

However, Duncan’s comments indicate interest rather than a confirmed offer. The timing, venue, contract status and terms of a potential fight remain unknown. Source 1

Why Du Plessis Is an Important Target

A fight with Du Plessis would give Duncan a high-profile test of his championship credentials. It would also create a clear narrative for the UFC: an established contender facing a fighter seeking to break into the title picture.

A victory could provide Duncan with:

• A major test against an elite middleweight.
• Greater visibility within the division.
• Evidence that he belongs near the top of the rankings.
• A stronger argument for a future title fight.

The available reports do not provide detailed technical scouting of either fighter, so claims about specific styles, weaknesses or tactical advantages cannot be verified. The broader point is that Du Plessis represents a meaningful test rather than a low-risk opportunity.

Defeating a recognized contender would generally create a stronger title argument than simply requesting a championship fight. A Duncan victory could accelerate his rise and give the UFC a straightforward reason to place him in a title matchup.

The result could affect both fighters:

• Duncan win: His title case would become more difficult to dismiss.
• Du Plessis win: His own position could be restored or strengthened.
• Close or disputed result: The UFC could consider a rematch or another contender bout.

One supplied report also states that Du Plessis was reportedly open to a trilogy fight with Roberto Soldic after making his UFC debut. Source 9

That report does not confirm a scheduled trilogy or establish it as Du Plessis’ leading option. It shows that Duncan’s interest is only one part of the matchmaking picture. Duncan wants the fight, Du Plessis was reportedly open to revisiting his rivalry with Soldic, and the UFC has final authority over matchmaking.

Duncan’s Direct Title-Shot Argument

A direct UFC title opportunity would provide Duncan with the fastest route to championship success. His argument is based primarily on momentum and the possibility that his performance at UFC Vegas 122 created enough attention to justify skipping another contender fight.

A direct title shot could:

• Reward Duncan without exposing him to the risk of another contender bout.
• Convert his current momentum into a championship event.
• Create a major promotional story for the middleweight division.
• Give him the fastest route to the belt.

This remains Duncan’s position, not a confirmed assessment by the UFC. The supplied reports do not provide enough verified information about his performance, opponent, result or statistics to independently measure the strength of his claim.

The UFC may prefer to give Duncan one more high-level fight. A title opportunity is usually easier to justify when a contender has a clear ranking position, a strong résumé and wins over established opposition. Another contender matchup could resolve competing claims, provide a clearer ranking test and strengthen Duncan’s case with another significant victory.

Champion availability could also determine whether an immediate title shot is realistic. An inactive champion or an unclear title schedule could improve Duncan’s chances. If the UFC already has a championship fight planned, Duncan may need to face another contender while waiting for the title picture to develop.

The supplied sources do not identify the champion’s schedule or an official title-fight plan.

Brendan Allen’s Role in the Middleweight Picture

Brendan Allen has also entered the discussion. Yahoo Sports reportedly stated that Allen identified one clear path to victory for Duncan, although the supplied source summary does not reveal the tactical advice. Source 7

Allen’s comment adds another middleweight’s perspective to Duncan’s situation. It does not amount to a fight challenge or confirm a booking.

MMA Sucka also reported that Allen criticized Du Plessis over the Kamaru Usman fight ahead of UFC Vegas 122. The supplied summary does not provide the exact criticism or a full quote. Source 5

Yahoo Sports further reported that Allen wanted to “dog walk” a former champion after UFC Vegas 122. Source 3

The phrase adds promotional tension but does not announce a fight. Duncan’s two stated options remain the central issue.

How the UFC Could Match Duncan Next

Option One: Duncan vs. Du Plessis

This would directly address Duncan’s stated preference and provide a high-profile contest with clear divisional consequences. The bout could offer immediate name value, a significant test for both fighters and potential title-eliminator status.

The risk is that the loser could fall out of immediate title contention. The fight could also delay other contenders, while Du Plessis may have alternative plans involving Soldic.

Option Two: Duncan Receives a Direct Title Shot

A title fight would give Duncan the fastest route to championship success and maximize the momentum created by UFC Vegas 122. The drawback is that the opportunity could be viewed as premature if other contenders have stronger rankings or résumés.

The available reports do not confirm an offer, negotiation or UFC decision. The direct title fight remains a possibility raised by Duncan.

Option Three: Duncan Faces Another Ranked Contender

The UFC could select another ranked or established middleweight. This route would give Duncan a measurable ranking test, strengthen his title résumé and help settle competing claims within the division.

Allen is part of the broader middleweight conversation, but the available sources do not confirm him as Duncan’s next opponent.

What Duncan Must Prove

The quality of Duncan’s UFC Vegas 122 performance will likely influence the UFC’s decision. A dominant finish or clearly decisive victory would generally strengthen an immediate title argument, while a narrow decision could make another contender fight more likely.

The supplied summaries do not provide enough verified detail about his opponent, result, finish method, round-by-round performance or statistics. Those details should not be assumed.

The strength of Duncan’s opposition will also matter. Wins over ranked or established middleweights typically carry greater value when the UFC evaluates title contenders. The available material does not list Duncan’s complete recent opposition or ranking history, preventing a full résumé-based assessment.

The Most Realistic Next Step

A fight with Du Plessis may be the practical compromise. Duncan would receive a major matchup, while the UFC would gain more evidence before awarding him a championship opportunity. If both fighters hold strong positions in the division, the bout could function as a title eliminator.

Duncan’s direct title-shot argument cannot be dismissed. Championship opportunities can be shaped by momentum, timing, marketability, division uncertainty and the champion’s schedule. If the UFC views his recent performance as sufficiently impressive and the division lacks a clear challenger, an immediate opportunity could become realistic.

For now, a Du Plessis fight appears to offer the clearest competitive path, while a direct title shot remains a possible but unconfirmed outcome.

Conclusion

Christian Leroy Duncan has identified two preferred outcomes after UFC Vegas 122: a fight with Dricus Du Plessis or a direct UFC middleweight title shot.

Du Plessis offers the clearest high-level test. Defeating him could give Duncan a stronger and more measurable championship argument. A direct title fight offers the fastest route to the belt and the greatest immediate career opportunity.

The final decision will depend on rankings, scheduling, champion availability and competing contenders. Du Plessis’ reported openness to a Roberto Soldic trilogy adds another possible direction, while Brendan Allen’s comments add promotional tension to the wider middleweight picture.

Neither proposed Duncan matchup is confirmed by the supplied sources. The confirmed development is that Duncan has made his ambitions clear and placed himself at the center of the next-fight discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Christian Leroy Duncan scheduled to fight Dricus Du Plessis?

No confirmed booking appears in the supplied source summaries. Duncan has reportedly expressed interest in fighting Du Plessis. Source 1

Is Duncan guaranteed a UFC title shot?

No. A direct title opportunity is an option Duncan believes should remain open, but the sources do not report an official UFC offer or decision.

What happened at UFC Vegas 122?

The supplied summaries establish that Duncan’s next-fight comments followed UFC Vegas 122. They do not provide enough verified detail about his opponent, result, finish or performance statistics.

What did Brendan Allen say about Duncan?

Yahoo Sports reportedly stated that Allen identified one clear path to victory for Duncan. The supplied summary does not include Allen’s specific tactical explanation. Source 7

What did Brendan Allen say about Du Plessis?

MMA Sucka reported that Allen criticized Du Plessis over the Kamaru Usman fight ahead of UFC Vegas 122. The specific criticism is not included in the supplied summary. Source 5

Could Du Plessis fight Roberto Soldic instead?

One supplied report says Du Plessis was reportedly open to a trilogy fight with Soldic after making his UFC debut. The report does not confirm that the trilogy is booked or that it will replace a potential Duncan matchup. Source 9