In London, a noticeable shift in mindset has set Jordan Vucenic on a new path.
Vucenic, with a record of 13-3 in MMA and 0-1 in the UFC, previously held the title of Cage Warriors champion. He’s stepping back into the octagon this Saturday to face Chris Duncan on the main card of UFC Fight Night 255, broadcast on ESPN+ from The O2 in London. This marks his second bout with the promotion, and this time, he’s feeling like he’s truly part of the UFC roster—a feeling absent when he made a last-minute debut in August.
“I used to place UFC fighters on a high pedestal,” Vucenic revealed during the media day for UFC Fight Night 255 on Thursday. “It’s not that they’re way up there; I realized I’m right alongside them. My goal is to keep leveling up continuously, and Saturday night, I’m eager to prove that I belong at this level.”
Even without the ideal mindset for his UFC debut, Vucenic performed admirably. He didn’t clinch the win but nearly toppled seasoned fighter Guram Kutateladze, having floored him in the first round and seemed poised to control the match. However, the tide turned, and Vucenic lost by decision.
Reflecting on that bout with Guram, who is known for his striking prowess, Vucenic explained, “I expected to gain the upper hand through wrestling and grappling, having only about eight days to prepare. Initially, I thought he was toying with me during the standup, thinking, ‘There’s no way he’s this easy to beat,’ considering his striking reputation.”
He continued, “But then I landed a strike that dropped him, and I knew at that point, ‘He’s not playing possum.'”
Taking on Duncan, who boasts a record of 12-2 in MMA and 3-1 in the UFC, Vucenic is brimming with confidence. Unlike his debut, he’s not constrained by short notice, so he feels freer to chase a decisive finish.
“If I manage to hurt Duncan like I did Guram,” Vucenic noted, “there’s no need for caution this time around, no hanging back to conserve energy. I’m prepared to go all out for three full rounds.”
For deeper exploration of the card, head over to MMA Junkie’s dedicated event hub for UFC Fight Night 255.
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