Beyond The Octagon: Chris Duncan's Story Of Grit, Grief, And Growth

Last Updated:April 05, 2026, 20:05 IST

UFC fighter Chris Duncan reflects on his tough Aluva upbringing, fighting a day after his mothers death, his rough style, family focus and goals before facing Renato Moicano

Chris Duncan’s journey to the UFC has been shaped as much by personal hardship as by persistence and unwavering self-belief. Raised in Aluva, he found direction early through work and eventually in the gym – a space that would come to define his future. What sets Duncan apart is not just his “rough and ready" fighting style, but the resilience behind it. He took his first amateur fight just a day after losing his mother, a moment that continues to shape his mindset and fuel his career. Duncan remains grounded in his pursuit of growth, family, and the goal of becoming someone others can look up to.

News18 Sports caught up with Duncan for an exclusive chat about his career, life, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

EXCERPTS

So growing up in Aluva, can you tell us about your life, and what were you like as a kid and before MMA entered your life?

For me, just a kind of regular upbringing. I lived with my grandparents through foster care and stuff with my mom and dad. But growing up, it was good. I was a shepherd, and it led me into going into the gym.

You’ve spoken about being called Podgy as a kid. Did it shape your self-image?

Not particularly, no. I did with the Scottish. Scottish people – we don’t really take it seriously and it’s just a little bit of a joke.

What was the exact moment you realised that MMA could change your life?

Probably around 2014 when I was in the gym 24/7, and all I got was positive, positive things from it. It built me into the character I am today.

So can you take us back to the day of your first amateur fight, and what’s the moment that you remember the most?

The day I had my first ever amateur fight was the day – well, the day before that actually. The day before the win, my mother actually was killed, and I proceeded to take on my MMA career from there and continued with the fight even though my mother had passed.

The shock of fighting the day after your mother passed away is extraordinary. What drove that decision, and how has your relationship with that moment evolved over time?

So the decision was kind of through the relationship I had with my mother. She would always take me to boxing classes and stuff like that. So deep down inside, I always knew I would fight and she would want me to fight, so that kind of led me to make that decision.

Can you tell us about your moniker, The Problem, what it represents, and why you chose it?

So when I had my first ever manager, we really struggled to get myself managed and get myself fights, so my manager nicknamed me The Problem, and it kind of stuck after that.

So when you finally got the UFC contract, did it feel like validation or just the beginning of your career?

Yeah, not particularly, no. I was still around a little bit – what do you call it – a little bit… I didn’t really believe it to start off with. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. And I had a little bit of imposter syndrome when it came to it. But over time and through wins, my career has slowly built me into knowing that I’m here to stay in the UFC. And, it just takes time and takes wins and takes confidence.

How would you describe your fighting style in one sentence, and how do you mentally prepare for high-pressure fights?

My fighting style is kind of rough and ready, with pace and power mixed in between it. And how I deal with the pressure that it faces, it’s just within my nature. I’ve dealt with high-pressure moments my whole career, and this is no different.

You have faced both personal and professional adversity, so what’s your definition of resilience?

My definition would be never to quit, even though maybe you do feel – to keep going and pursue what you love and admire and what you really want in life.

How has becoming a father changed your perspective on fighting?

It hasn’t. I always knew it was full of amazing people – amazing men, amazing females – and it builds you into an amazing character and gives you many life skills.

How does a normal day look for you outside the cage, and how do you balance being a professional athlete and a family man all together?

When it comes to fighting, there’s no balance. I enjoy family time after the training is done, and it only takes up about four hours of the day, so the rest of the day can be used as recovery and then family time and spending time with the family.

You’ve said you want to become someone kids look up to, so can you please elaborate? What does that mean exactly to you?

Many years ago, I saw Tyson Fury standing in the ring – actually, in a boxing ring – and he gave his belt to a disabled child. And that kid will remember that for many, many years. And I would love to be able to do that for other kids and other people. So that’s something that kind of motivates me.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave in MMA?

The legacy I’d like to leave would be showing people that I’m a true Scotsman. The will to win is always going to be there, and I’m one of the most exciting fighters in the division.

One word to describe your journey

Up and down.

Any message that you would like to tell your younger self?

Keep going.

Watch UFC Fight Night – Moicano vs. Duncan on 5th April, 2026 from 3:30 AM IST live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD (Tamil, Telugu & Kannada).

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