Verdict’s surprise fight of the week: Oki vs. Duncan

The UFC visits the Accor Arena in Paris with a stellar Fight Night card. The entire card is packed with exciting fights, established names and rising stars. While there are several ranked fights and hot young talent on the main card, there are also some fantastic fights in the preliminary bouts. Of these preliminary bouts, Bolaji Oki vs. Chris Duncan may be the best matchup.

This fight takes place in the lightweight division (155 lbs.).

Bolaji Oki has a professional record of 9-1-0 and has won nine fights in a row. He has a UFC victory over Timmy Cuamba.

Chris Duncan has a professional record of 11-2-0 and has won four of his last five fights. He has UFC victories over Yanal Ashmouz and Omar Morales.

Bolaji Oki lands a right hand on Dylan Salvador. Photo credit: MMA Junkie.

Oki is a powerful, technical striker who constantly comes forward. He has excellent distance management and can do damage from distance and in the pocket while remaining unreachable. He fights behind his jab and tends to counter-punch to elicit reactions from his opponents so he can land strikes. Training with Da Vinci Fighting, he increases his pace as the fight progresses and regularly looks to blitz forward and fire heavy hooks and straights. Oki has heavy kicks and power in both hands, stays technical throughout and will not charge or announce his attacks. He found four of his six finishes in the first round but maintains his power throughout the fight and is always dangerous.

Chris Duncan knocks down Charlie Campbell with a right hand. Photo credit: MMA Junkie.

Duncan is a well-rounded fighter with solid wrestling and dangerous hand power. He constantly pushes forward, stays patient and looks for openings before launching into overhands and hooks. He has the power to land a knockout with one punch and can score a knockout at any time. While training with American Top Team, Duncan averages nearly four takedowns per 15 minutes and has strong top and clinch control. He is always working to improve his position or do damage when he is on top. He has great stamina and will maintain a consistent pace for the entire 15 minutes.