A FORTH VALLEY fighter has wowed to go all the way to the top as he made a winning start to life in the UFC.

Chris Duncan secured his first win in the Ultimate Fighting Championship after his three-round showdown with Omar Morales in London on Saturday, March 18.

Chris, who is nicknamed The Problem, was awarded the win over the Venezuelan in a split decision by the judges.

The lightweight fighter, originally from Stirling and currently living in Alloa, has been working his way up through the promotions including BFC and DWCS to make it to UFC, currently boasting an impressive 10-1 pro record.

Speaking after his debut, Chris said: “I'm glad to get the win, the money that I've earned from that [means] I'll be full-time from now on.

“Money has always been the struggle until this point so getting the win was super important.

“I am happy with how it turned out but the only thing was that I felt my nerves got the better of me a little bit – that's just the way it works with the first time being there.”

Chris set foot in the octagon as part of UFC 286 at The O2 with some 20,000 spectators in attendance.

The arena erupted in chants “Scotland” as he entered the stage in what was a dream come true and an opportunity to make it big.

In his post-match interview on the night, Chris paid tribute to his corner team and said: “Those guys put a lot into me, we have our ups and downs, but I'll always be appreciative of them.

“I'm going to the top, just need to keep working on this.”

Following lengthy and expensive pre-fight training camps across the pond, Chris was also desperate for some much-needed family time with his fiancé and one-year-old daughter Summer.

On Monday, he said: “They came down to the event and I've been spending great quality time with them since I've been back.

“And then, I got to spend the full day with her today because I'm not having to go to work.”

Momentum will be key for Chris who is already eager for his next fight, indeed, he said in his post-match interview that six months between bouts is too long.

Chris trains with EVO Gym in Stirling and with American Top Team.