Chris Duncan: Mateusz Rebecki’s callout led to fight vs. ATT teammate
UFC on ESPN 71’s Chris Duncan spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters at media day for his lightweight bout vs. Mateusz Rebecki in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS – Chris Duncan was glad to accept the offer to face Mateusz Rebecki at UFC on ESPN 71 despite their extensive history as training partners at American Top Team.
Typically, Duncan (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) wouldn’t have been keen to move forward with this situation, but it’s different. He claims Rebecki (20-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) once offered to fight him on short notice in early 2023, just as they began their time as teammates in South Florida.
Duncan hasn’t forgotten that, so when UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby offered him Rebecki in the co-main event slot of Saturday’s card at UFC Apex (ESPN, ESPN+), he felt it was within his right to take it.
“I think it’s a bad move on him, but I’m happy to do it,” Duncan told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC on ESPN 71 media day. “I think he’s a very respectful opponent. He was super respectful to me in the gym. We’re just going to go out there and clash and I’m going to show him I’m the better fighter.
“It’s just unfortunate we train under the same gym, but I’m just very fortunate American Top Team were so professional in regard to keeping us separate in our training in stuff like that. It is what it is. I’m going to make his wish come true.”
Duncan knows what is required to get his hand raised, and said he needs to be sharp defensively against someone with Rebecki’s level of aggression.
“We all know he comes forward,” Duncan said. “He’s a brawler. I think he’s going to try to wrestle me a little bit, to be honest. It takes no genius to know he’s going to come forward with some heat, so have to make sure to not get caught, getting caught in stupid places. I’m looking forward to it. He’s a great opponent for me.”
