UFC on ESPN 71: Tatsuro Taira vs. HyunSung Park faceoffs
Check out the UFC on ESPN 71 weigh-in faceoffs, where the athletes from the 12-fight card had a final staredown ahead of event in Las Vegas.
Chris Duncan and Mateusz Rebecki meet Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 71 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
Last event: 2-3
UFC main cards, 2025: 72-56-1
Chris Duncan vs. Mateusz Rebecki UFC on ESPN 71 preview
Duncan (13-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) enters his first UFC co-feature while on a two-fight winning streak. In back-to-back fights, Duncan finished Bolaji Oki and Jordan Vucenic with guillotine chokes in the first and second rounds, respectively. The Dana White’s Contender Series veteran won his first pair of UFC fights before his second career setback last February against Manuel Torres. … Like Duncan, Rebecki (20-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) enters his first co-main event in the UFC and shares an identical record in the promotion. Rebecki comes in after a split decision nod over Myktybek Orolbai at UFC 208 in October. Prior to that, he was finished by Diego Ferreira for his second career loss, which snapped a 16-fight winning streak.
Chris Duncan vs. Mateusz Rebecki UFC on ESPN 71 expert pick, prediction
The co-main event on ESPN features a lightweight action fight between Chris Duncan and Mateusz Rebecki.
A Polish product who was more than UFC-ready prior to his Contender Series debut, Rebecki has proven to be all gas since setting foot in the octagon.
A southpaw pressure fighter who can wrestle and grapple, Rebecki presents a formidable archetype that is difficult to deal with, especially early.
Duncan, who has surprised many during his recent run, has shown undeniable improvements since moving shop to American Top Team in South Florida. Although Duncan is officially 0-0 against UFC-level lefties, he works with legendary southpaws that range from Dustin Poirier to Gleison Tibau.
Although Duncan getting iced early on the feet or worked over on the floor is the most likely outcome on paper, I suspect that the Scottish fighter presents serious threats in closed quarters.
Add in the size edge for the Scot and the fact that Rebecki has a propensity to fight recklessly and fade, and I find myself leaning toward the underdog in this spot.
The pick is Duncan by club-and-sub in Round 2.
Chris Duncan vs. Mateusz Rebecki UFC on ESPN 71 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Polish fighter, listing Rebecki -220 and Duncan +176 via FanDuel.
Chris Duncan vs. Mateusz Rebecki UFC on ESPN 71 start time, how to watch
As the co-main event, Duncan and Rebecki are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 11:10 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ESPN and streams on ESPN+.
