Christian Leroy Duncan: 'the UFC feels like home'

Former Cage Warriors champion Christian Leroy Duncan is a 28 year old mixed martial artist from Gloucester, UK, with a pro record of 8-1-0. 7 of his wins have been stoppages, with six knockouts and one submission.Christian fights out of MMA pioneer Mark Weir's Range Martial Arts Academy, and made his UFC debut in March 2023, bringing his unique and flowing style to the middleweight division.In this wide-ranging interview recorded before jetting to Las Vegas for his second fight in the UFC we talk about everything, from the ins and outs of life as a professional fighter to what it was like to make his UFC debut in London, on the same card as fellow Brit Leon Edwards' welterweight title defence against Kamaru Usman. We discuss Christian's upbringing, who he looks up to in sport, how his background as a basketball player elevates his fighting ability, his big ambitions for the future, and how the loss of his best friend Joel Westcarr motivates him daily.Follow Christian on Instagram @christianleroyduncan.Listen to Fly Team, the entrance song we discuss that was recorded by Joel (Yung Montanna) just months before his death, teaming up with Gripper, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w-KxlLBxfc. About The Starting Line PodcastFrom a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful interviews with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and more. Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define your potential.Join me every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at startinglinepod.com and follow us @startinglineshow on social platforms. Email [email protected] - with guest suggestions or just to say hello.Follow The Starting Line on:InstagramTwitterTikTokFacebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.